Transfer Centre

Man City transfer news: Pep Guardiola 'on brink' of sealing first summer signing

By Devesh Jaganath | 03 July 2024

Man City 'on brink' of sealing first summer signing

Manchester City are reportedly on the brink of signing Brazilian talent Savio on a long-term deal that will see him remain at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2029.

Manchester City are on the brink of signing Brazilian talent Savio on a long-term deal, according to a report.

The 20-year-old has been part of the City Football Group (CFG) for several years, joining after a four-year stint at Brazilian club Atletico Mineiro. He moved to CFG in 2022 and was later assigned to Ligue 1 outfit Troyes.

Despite not making a single appearance for the French club, Savio gained his first taste of European football during a loan spell with Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven.

The Brazilian featured in eight first-team matches for the Dutch giants before he was sent on a second successive loan to La Liga with Girona last season, where he made 41 appearances, contributing 11 goals and 10 assists.

His performances were instrumental in helping Girona secure a third-place finish in the Spanish top flight, which allowed them to qualify for the Champions League next season.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola before the match on April 20, 2024 © Reuters

Man City set to confirm Savio as first signing of the summer

According to The Athletic, Savio is now poised to become Pep Guardiola's side's first signing of the summer.

The report adds that the club has already informed the player that he will play a crucial role in the Spaniard's first-team squad, and the winger is expected to be handed a five-year contract.

The 20-year-old is currently away on international duty with Brazil but if the reported deal is completed, Savio will remain with City until the summer of 2029.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed that all paperwork for the former Girona loanee has already been completed, and it is understood that he will arrive at the Etihad Stadium once the Copa America concludes.

Savio is expected to line up on the right wing for City, potentially as the long-term replacement for Riyad Mahrez, who moved to Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League last summer.

Girona's Savio pictured on September 30, 2023 © Reuters

Savio to join Man City pre-season tour?

If a deal is done for Savio in the coming weeks, it could mean that his first appearance in a City jersey may come at the end of July, when Guardiola's side embark on a four-game pre-season tour of the United States.

City will begin their trip with a match against Scottish champions Celtic in California, followed by a fixture against AC Milan at Yankee Stadium in New York City on July 27.

Thereafter, they will face Barcelona on the final day of this month at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, followed by a match against Premier League rivals Chelsea in Columbus.

The Premier League champions will then return to England to begin preparation for their Community Shield clash against cross-town rivals Manchester United on August 10.

Savio is also believed to have been on the radar of last season's Premier League runners-up Arsenal since 2022.