Pep Guardiola Categorically Rejects Savinho’s Departure as Manchester City Identifies Brazilian as Bernardo Silva’s Successor

Pep Guardiola has declared Savinho "unsellable" despite a £70M interest from Tottenham. Read why Man City sees him as the long-term successor to Bernardo Silva.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 21, 2026, 8:14 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from YSScores

Guardiola Blocks Premier League Suitors to Protect City’s Future Core

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has firmly shut the door on any potential exit for Savinho during the upcoming summer 2026 transfer window. According to reports from Football Insider and OSEN, a multi-million-pound inquiry from Tottenham Hotspur was immediately dismissed by the Etihad hierarchy. Guardiola reportedly views Savinho as a "world-class talent in development" and a pivotal component of the club's strategy to reshape its aging attacking line. Despite the player's limited starting opportunities during the current 2025–26 campaign, the coaching staff remains convinced that his technical profile is essential for maintaining the squad’s creative output in the post-Bernardo Silva era.

Strategic Contract Extension Solidifies Savinho’s Long-Term Status

To further cement his position at the club and ward off elite European interest from the likes of Barcelona and Juventus, Manchester City officially renewed Savinho’s contract in October 2025, extending his stay until June 2031. This move followed a summer saga where Tottenham reportedly bid upwards of £70 million for the winger’s services, only to be rebuffed by City CEO Ferran Soriano. The new long-term deal has significantly strengthened the club’s negotiating position, effectively setting a "non-negotiable" floor for any future discussions. Internal sources suggest that Director of Football Hugo Viana is focused on integrating Savinho into the primary rotation for the 2026–27 season, viewing him as a "non-saleable" asset.

Navigating a Season of Limited Minutes and Tactical Patience

While the internal valuation of Savinho remains high, the current season has been one of tactical patience for the young Brazilian. He has managed just five Premier League starts and approximately 600 minutes of league action as of April 21, 2026. The arrival of Antoine Semenyo in January and the peak form of Jeremy Doku have intensified competition for wide positions, leading to speculation that Savinho might force a move to secure a spot in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad. However, Guardiola has publicly praised the player’s "unquestionable talent," urging him to focus on seizing opportunities during City's ongoing hunt for the La Liga and Champions League titles.