Pep Guardiola slams door shut on big-money Manchester City transfer | OneFootball

Manchester City’s Savinho has been firmly retained by Pep Guardiola as part of his plans for the now-ongoing 2025/26 season, according to reports.

The Brazilian winger’s future has dominated headlines for the last few weeks after Tottenham seemingly made him their priority signing, prepared to push towards a club-record deal and comfortably in excess of €50 million to secure Savinho’s services.

However, despite having received encouragement that the player himself was open to a switch to North London, and strong dialogue between the clubs, Pep Guardiola himself has now made his stance absolutely clear.

Savinho joined City after a breakout loan spell with Girona on loan from ESTAC Troyes, where his pace, flair, and direct attacking play made him one of the most exciting young wingers in La Liga.

The 2023/24 campaign placed him firmly on the radar of Europe’s elite, but Manchester City ultimately emerged as the successful suitor, perhaps due to their direct relationship with the two clubs involved in the winger via the City Football Group.

Savinho’s future has coincided with decisions made on multiple attacking options at the Etihad Stadium including Jack Grealish to Everton on loan, James McAtee’s permanent move to Nottingham Forest, and Claudio Echeverri’s expected temporary move.

According to a new report from talkSPORT’s Alex Crook and Ben Jacobs, Pep Guardiola has now firmly closed the door on Savinho leaving Manchester City this summer amid interest from Tottenham in a potential club-record deal.

Guardiola does not want to lose the Brazil international, who was reportedly open to making the switch to north London this summer after just one season at the Etihad Stadium last campaign.

With Guardiola personally intervening, Tottenham’s pursuit now looks effectively over, forcing Thomas Frank’s side to turn their attention to alternative targets, including Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze.

For Manchester City, the outcome is a clear statement of intent. The decision to block a big-money exit reflects Pep Guardiola’s long-term vision, ensuring that one of Brazil’s most promising young attackers is developed within his system.

It also signals that while Manchester City are willing sellers under the right conditions, they will not sacrifice players integral to Pep Guardiola’s plans for short-term financial gain.

Looking forward, Savinho’s presence could be pivotal in Manchester City’s Premier League title push, which began with a convincing 0-4 win on the road away to Wolves at Molineux on Saturday evening.

The 21-year-old’s ability to offer something different to Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden provides Pep Guardiola with tactical flexibility, while his development in the Premier League could accelerate rapidly with consistent minutes.