Manchester City rejected Tottenham’s £43m bid for Savinho but had lined up PSG winger Bradley Barcola as a contingency plan if the Brazilian had left the Etihad this summer.
Manchester City may have stood firm in their refusal to sell Savinho, but reports reveal the club had already drawn up a backup strategy in case Tottenham’s transfer push proved successful.
Spurs snubbed despite bold offer
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank had earmarked Savinho as a top target, tabling a £43 million ($58m) bid to tempt City into negotiations. The Etihad hierarchy, however, were clear from the outset: the 21-year-old winger was not for sale.
Barcola on the radar
According to Foot Mercato, City identified Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola as their contingency plan. At 22, the French international ticks many of Pep Guardiola’s boxes for wide players — pace, directness, and versatility. While PSG were unwilling to part ways with him, a formal approach from City could have tested their resolve. In the end, the deal never materialised, with Savinho staying at the Etihad and Barcola remaining in Ligue 1.
Why Savinho matters to City
Though only officially joining City last summer from Girona, Savinho quickly became a trusted squad option. He featured in 48 matches across competitions, contributing three goals and proving vital in stretching opposition defences. With three years left on his deal, the Brazilian is viewed as an important long-term asset rather than a sellable commodity.
Looking ahead
Savinho has yet to play this season due to injury but is expected to return in time for the Manchester derby against United at the Etihad. With Guardiola juggling fitness concerns across the squad, the winger’s energy and width could prove invaluable.
