In a complex web of multi-club ownership, Brazilian winger Savinho has made a £33.7million move to Manchester City, the biggest club in the City Football Group (CFG) network. The 20-year-old’s journey began when he was signed by Troyes, a CFG club in France, in 2022. However, he never got to play a single game for the French side, instead going on loan to Girona, another CFG club in Spain, where he impressed with his electrifying performances.

Savinho’s style of play is a perfect fit for Manchester City’s attacking brand of football. When asked to describe his playing style, he confidently said, “I’m a Brazilian who likes to play on the front foot, to be happy, to play joyful football. I like playing one against one, making assists, scoring goals too, and helping the team. My main characteristic, what I like the most, is being happy and getting fans up off their seats.”

Those who witnessed his performances at Girona would attest to his ability to get fans on their feet. With nine goals, 10 assists, and 104 dribbles, he was instrumental in the Spanish club’s surprise title charge. His pace and skill on the wing earned him a place in the La Liga Team of the Season and caught the attention of Manchester City’s scouts.

Savinho joined the City Football Group club in 2022 before impressing last season on loan at fellow CFG side Girona

Savinho’s impressive performances caught the attention of Manchester City’s director Txiki Begiristain, who regularly attended Girona games to monitor his progress. It soon became apparent that the Brazilian winger was ready to take his skills to the top of the CFG pyramid.

His personal story is a heartwarming one. Growing up on a cow farm in Sao Mateus, Brazil, Savinho was discovered by Atletico Mineiro at the age of 10. He left his family behind to pursue his footballing dreams, and his mother joined him later when he was 18. CFG’s scouting of young talent in South America has seen them gain advantages in the transfer market, and Savinho is one of the most promising 20-year-olds in the game.

With Premier League coaches now favoring man-to-man marking, having an attacker who can beat his opponent is vital. City have that in Jeremy Doku, and Savinho’s one-v-one prowess is particularly impressive. He can slow down his opponent before turning on the afterburners to burst past them at speed, making him a valuable asset for Manchester City.

Savinho will wear the No 26 shirt, previously worn by Riyad Mahrez, who is an inspiration to him. “I don’t want to make people expect anything, just to show my football,” he said. “But I like him a lot, how he plays. He’s an inspiration, that’s why I’ve chosen his number! I’m really happy.”

Earlier this year the 20-year-old was handed his senior international debut for Brazil against England

Upon arrival at the Etihad, Savinho will wear the number No 26 shirt formerly donned by Riyad Mahrez

Savinho is eager to make an impact in the Premier League, saying, “I hope for another of the best seasons of my career, even better than the one I’ve just had at Girona. As I said, I’m going to work hard, I’m a hardworking guy, things never came easy for me. Things have come through hard work and dedication on a day-to-day basis.”

It will be intriguing to see how he fits into City’s possession-based style of play, arriving after a season in which Girona were one of the most fearsome counter-attacking teams in the game. Speaking this week, Savinho said, “Manchester City’s style of play is one that everybody who watches football loves. It’s a happy style, it really is the beautiful game. I can’t wait to start training so that I can adapt to Manchester City’s football.”