
EPL Index
·23. August 2025
Man City ‘won’t rule out’ move for £69.3m forward

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·23. August 2025
Manchester City’s transfer plans could hinge on the future of Savinho, with ESPN reporting that Real Madrid’s Rodrygo is being considered as a potential replacement. As Rob Dawson revealed: “City don’t want to lose Savinho, but if the winger ends up moving to Tottenham Hotspur it’s likely he would need to be replaced.”
The report makes clear that Tottenham Hotspur are circling Savinho. Spurs’ recent frustrations in the transfer market — having missed out on Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze — are well-documented. James Olley noted: “They felt in both cases they could not have done much more to get an agreement over the line but the anger many fans felt towards the board has only increased after Eze opted to join Arsenal.”
For City, losing Savinho would be a significant blow given his development, but Rodrygo presents a fascinating alternative. Real Madrid’s valuation, thought to be around €80 million, makes the deal complicated. Still, City “aren’t ruling it out for now.”
Spurs are under pressure to deliver a marquee signing before the window closes. Their list of potential arrivals reportedly includes “AS Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche and Southampton’s Tyler Dibling” but fans want a bigger name. While Savinho fits their profile, prising him from City will not be straightforward.
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Rodrygo, meanwhile, seems an unlikely fit for Tottenham given the financial scale of such a move. Arsenal were once interested but “are unable to fund a deal at that level after investing more than £260m elsewhere in the squad.”
Pep Guardiola’s side have typically acted decisively in the transfer market, only pursuing players that fit both tactically and financially. If Savinho leaves, Rodrygo would bring Champions League pedigree and versatility across the front line. Yet City are unlikely to pay over the odds, making this one of the more intriguing subplots in the final days of the window.
From a Manchester City supporter’s perspective, this report is equal parts exciting and concerning. The idea of losing Savinho is frustrating, especially since he’s shown such promise under Guardiola’s guidance. Many City fans would feel this deal shouldn’t even be considered unless Savinho himself pushes for a move.
Rodrygo, however, is a name that will certainly catch the imagination. He’s a proven performer at the very highest level, with decisive goals for Real Madrid in the Champions League. His ability to operate on either wing or even centrally makes him a Guardiola-style player. That said, Madrid’s valuation of €80 million feels steep, and fans know City usually operate with discipline when it comes to spending — rarely making emotional signings.
Supporters may also question the timing. With only days left in the window, the risk of losing Savinho without lining up a ready-made replacement could cause unease. City’s squad depth is world-class, but replacing one of the most exciting young wingers with a big-money move at short notice carries risk.
Overall, many City fans would likely lean towards keeping Savinho at all costs. If Spurs are determined, City should stand firm unless the player forces the issue. Rodrygo would undoubtedly be welcomed at the Etihad, but ideally as an addition to the squad rather than a replacement.
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