Who is Savio? The ‘special’ starlet who tore up La Liga Man City are set to make their first summer signing

It’s been a quiet start to the summer transfer window so far but Manchester City fans can rest assured there will be one new player coming to the club in Savio.

Savio, or Savinho as he’s also known, has just come off the back of a sensational debut season with Girona in La Liga and Manchester City have wasted no time in tying him to the club.

It was easy enough for City to win the race, given his parent club Troyes and Girona, are both owned by the City Football Group but the Blues have moved to extinguish interest from any other would-be suitors.

Pep Guardiola is well-stocked on forwards so it remains to be seen if Savio will remain with City for the forthcoming season but fans will be hoping to catch a glimpse of him during pre-season when he eventually arrives.

Savio is currently on international duty with Brazil at Copa Amerca, where he scored in the 4-1 win over Paraguay on Friday, and the deal won’t be completed until his tournament is over.

But, for now, here is everything you need to know about City’s exciting incoming addition.

How old is Savio?

Savio Moreira de Oliveria, known as Savio or Savinho, was born on April 10, 2002, in Sao Mateus, Espirito Santo, Brazil.

As of June 2024, he is 20 years old.

Savio height

Savio stands at 5 feet and 7 inches (176cm) according to Transfermarkt.

He uses his slight and nimble frame to his advantage with lightning pace and a low centre of gravity that makes him a headache for defenders.

What position does Savio play?

Savio predominantly plays on the left wing and, as a left-footer, he does so as a traditional winger rather than an inverted one, helping him pick up 10 assists from the flank last season.

However, he is a versatile forward who has also played on the right side and centrally during his short career.

How good is Savio?

Even though he started last season as a teenager moving to his third new country in a year who was yet to play a full campaign, Savio tore La Liga to shreds.

No one expected lowly Girona to be much of a concern before the season began but City’s sister club were a complete surprise package who put up a stiffer fight for the title than Barcelona.

Girona eventually finished third, qualifying for the Champions League, and Savio was crucial to that remarkable accomplishment.

The prodigy got 21 goal contributions (11 goals and 10 assists) with only top scorer Artem Dovbyk getting more for the side. He was named in the La Liga team of the season.

Savio is still young and raw and has plenty of developing to do but he is clearly already an excellent player.

Praise for Savio

Girona boss Michel – who has been suggested as a potential Guardiola replacement if he leaves City – praised Savio to the hilt in September and he has only gone on to prove him right since.

Michel told Cadena SER, via Football Espana: “The sporting department had already been following him since the last under-20 World Cup.

“The images we had of him are very good. He had not been successful at PSV and he was not happy. We saw him at the World Cup because we followed him and we had the feeling that he could help us.”

“I know they are big words, but since the emergence of Vinicius I don’t think I have seen a one-on-one talent as destabilising as him.”

Speaking at the end of the season, Michel said: “When I saw Savio on first training session I said: ‘We’re gonna play in Europe next season’. He’s special. He’s the best player I’ve ever had.”

Barcelona sporting director Deco said in 2023: “Spanish football likes this type of player with dribbling ability,” he told the Esporte Espetacular TV show, as quoted by Sport.

“In Spain, people love having the opportunity to watch beautiful football, with players of technical quality, and Savio fits into this historical profile that Spanish football has always had.

“He is at the beginning of his career and is attracting attention, he is a young player who has a lot of future. If he continues in this line of growth he will be very successful in Spain.”

Are Man City signing Savio?

Yes. Though the deal has not yet been officially confirmed by City, it was widely reported in February a deal had been struck to see Savio move to Manchester.

With German clubs and English clubs circling after his breakout season in Spain, City moved to secure the exciting prospect for years to come.

It has been Savio’s long-term aim to make it to City. He told Premier League Brasil in December: “I’ve the objective of playing for Manchester City.

“I think when I was signed my objective was always to get to Man City and I’m working towards that.

“If one day I get to Man City, you can be sure that I’ve done things well at Girona, as I’m doing now.”

He could potentially be involved in City’s pre-season tour of the USA.

Why Man City are allowed to sign Savio despite UEFA rules

The transfer has angered some corners of football fandom, especially Manchester United supporters.

UEFA rules state that clubs that have the same owners and are competing in the same competition are not allowed to sell players between them.

As a result, United’s proposed move for Nice – also owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and also competing in the Europa League next season – centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo looks highly unlikely.

This led to some questioning why City can sign Savio given he played for their sister club Girona, who are also in the Champions League next season.

However, since his parent club is Troyes the deal does not break UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules.

Savio club history

Savio came through the youth ranks at Atletico Mineiro before CFG got wind of his talent and signed him to French side Troyes.

He has never played for the struggling Ligue 2 club, who only just avoided relegation to the third tier, and has instead spent the last two years out on loan.

Savio stats

International stats for Brazil

Trophies and honours

Despite his tender years, Savio already has several winners’ medals on his mantle piece.

Atletico Mineiro trophies won

PSV trophies won

International trophies won

Individual honours