Manchester City have announced the signing of Brazilian winger Savio on a five-year deal until 2029.
The 20-year-old - also known as Savinho - has been part of the City Football Group (CFG) since 2022 when he joined French club Troyes from Atletico Mineiro for an initial €6.5m (£5.5m).
Savio did not make a single first-team appearance for Troyes, though, as he spent the last two seasons on loan with Eredivisie club PSV Eindhoven and La Liga outfit Girona - another CFG club.
The highly-rated winger, who has been likened to compatriot Vinicius Junior, elevated his game to new heights with Girona in 2023-24, scoring nine goals and providing 10 assists in 37 La Liga appearances to help the club secure a surprise top-three finish and qualify for next season's Champions League.
Savio's impressive form for Girona was rewarded with his first senior international cap for Brazil in March, making his debut at Wembley Stadium in a 1-0 victory over England.
The youngster, who now has seven caps to his name, was part of Dorival Junior's Brazil squad for the 2024 Copa America, scoring his first goal for his country in a 4-1 win over Paraguay before they were eliminated at the quarter-final stage.
Savinho is here! 🩵 pic.twitter.com/h6xfBvnGdb
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 18, 2024
Savio 'very excited' to work under Pep Guardiola
Savio's rapid rise has caught the eye of Premier League champions Man City, who have decided to take advantage of their CFG connections and sign the winger on a permanent basis.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Citizens will pay an initial £21m to sign Savio, with the deal also including add-ons that could see the fee rise to £33.6m.
Savio has been handed the No.26 shirt number and has labelled Man City as "the best team in the world" with "one of the greatest coaches ever" in the form of Pep Guardiola.
"I'm so happy to be joining Manchester City, the Premier League champions and Club World Cup winners," Savio told the club's official website. "Everyone knows they are the best team in the world right now, so to be here is very exciting for me.
"I'm excited about the chance to work under Pep Guardiola, one of the greatest coaches ever, and someone I know will help me improve even more.
"I had an amazing time in Spain and I'm looking forward to a new challenge of playing in the Premier League and alongside some of the best players in the world.
"I can't wait to meet the fans and my new teammates and hopefully be a part of bringing more success to City."
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 18, 2024
Begiristain: 'Savio has a big role to play at Man City'
Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: "Savinho is a very exciting player and I think the City fans are really going to enjoy watching him.
"What he achieved last season at Girona was remarkable and he is already a full Brazil international. He has a big role to play for Manchester City this season and beyond.
"We are totally confident in his ability. He is still young and has the potential to become even better, and everyone knows that Pep is the best at helping players develop even further.
"But he has already shown his huge quality and technical ability and is an exciting addition to our attacking area."
Savio is expected to link up with Guardiola's squad on their pre-season tour of the United States later this month, while Man City have confirmed that the winger will be unveiled to fans at an event in Manchester on August 4.
Oliver Thomas
