Manchester City Secure £33.7m Signing of Brazilian Winger Savinho from Troyes

Manchester City have completed the £33.7 million signing of highly-rated Brazilian winger Savinho from sister club Troyes, despite UEFA’s new regulations on transfers between clubs with the same ownership group.

The 20-year-old, who has made seven appearances for Brazil, impressed during his loan spell at Girona, another City Football Group (CFG) club, where he helped the Spanish side qualify for the Champions League.

Savinho, previously known as Savio, has signed a five-year contract with Manchester City. The transfer fee includes an initial £21.1 million, with an additional £12.6 million in potential add-ons.

UEFA’s multi-club ownership (MCO) rules blocked Manchester United's attempt to sign France defender Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice this summer. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a minority shareholder in United, controls Nice. While both clubs will participate in the Europa League next season under specific stipulations, UEFA barred them from conducting transfer deals between each other.

Similar to Nice, Girona will be placed in a blind trust under UEFA’s new rules. Girona, part of the CFG network like Manchester City, will compete in the Champions League alongside Pep Guardiola’s team next season.

However, the Savinho transfer from Troyes to Manchester City was not blocked, as it was agreed upon before UEFA issued new MCO guidelines on May 14. UEFA sources indicate this timing was crucial, rather than the transfer occurring directly between CFG clubs Troyes and Manchester City.

Savinho, who will wear the No. 26 jersey in honor of former City player Riyad Mahrez, explained his decision to revert to the name Savinho. “For my first national team call-up, they used ‘Savinho,’ and people in Girona knew me by that name too, even though I had ‘Sávio’ on my shirt,” he said. “So, I chose to go back to ‘Savinho’ on my shirt, hoping it brings me good luck!”

Savinho is versatile on the field, comfortable on either wing but preferring the right flank. “I can play on the left, the right, or inside, but my best position is the right wing,” he stated. “I love playing one-on-one, assisting, scoring goals, and bringing joy to the fans. My main characteristic is playing joyful football.”

He added, “My friend used to say I play like Riyad Mahrez. But Mahrez is Mahrez, and I’m Savio. I don’t want to set expectations, just show my football. Mahrez is an inspiration, which is why I chose his number!”