In search of a Son Heung-min replacement, Tottenham are looking into Manchester City’s Savinho.
The Brazilian winger hasn’t even been in the Citizens’ squad for their first two Premier League games this season. All signs point towards an exit, since his last competitive game came in late June, when they lost to Al-Hilal in the Fifa Club World Cup.
On the other hand, Tottenham were desperate to replace Son Heung-min, who signed for Los Angeles FC. Since then, of course, Brennan Johnson – usually a right winger – has stepped in nicely on the left. The Welshman has already scored two goals in two games to start the new season.
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Still, they probably feel like they could do with another signing, especially considering how much they’ve suffered with injuries over the past year. If that’s the case and they indeed go for Savinho, it will be a great choice – here’s why.
Savinho would offer Tottenham great versatility
Savinho introduced himself to the world with an incredible LaLiga season in 2023-24 for Girona. He was mainly deployed as a left winger and picked up nine goals and 10 assists.
In Manchester, however, he had a different role. He spent most of his time on the right wing, but can play in either side with the same quality.
Even though he’s looked more to pass than shoot for City, he actually recorded twice as many attempts per 90 minutes (2.8 versus 1.4 at Girona). But also had a substantially lower average of expected goals per shot attempt (0.09 versus 0.13).
This could be the reason why he also underperformed his expected goals tally for the Citizens so badly. Savinho scored just one goal from 5.01 xG in the Premier League last season, but overperformed for Girona (nine goals from 6.06 xG). He was getting better opportunities and probably felt more in rhythm with his attempts.
Associations with strikers
Tottenham aren’t really loaded with world class strikers in the squad. Richarlison has started the season really well up front, but who knows if he can keep this form – or even stay fit – for a whole season.
Dominc Solanke scored a few goals last year but has yet to replicate the performances from his Bournemouth days. Other than that, Mathys Tel may not be cut out to be a Premier League striker and Dane Scarlett doesn’t look ready to take this big of a step right now.
Luckily for them, Savinho has formed great partnerships with strikers during his young career. He created 13 chances for Artem Dovbyk in the 2023-24 LaLiga (Girona’s most productive connection) and two of them turned into assists.
In England, he also created 13 chances for Erling Haaland, but five of them turned into assists. The only combinations that led to more goals in the PL last season were Jacob Murphy-Alexander Isak (7) and Eberechi Eze-Jean-Philippe Mateta (6).
If Daniel Levy doesn’t want to splash the cash on Savinho plus a striker, the Brazilian alone could enhance whoever leads the Spurs’ attack. He specialized in getting to the byline and cutting it back or crossing to the far post.
How Savinho compares with other Tottenham players
The 21-year-old would automatically become Tottenham’s best out and out winger. Out of all Manchester City and Tottenham players last season in the Premier League, Savinho was second only to Jeremy Doku in take-ons attempted (5.2) and completed (2.7) per 90 minutes.
Mathys Tel led the Spurs in attempts (5.0) and Djed Spence led them in completions (1.9).
In terms of creativity, he also stands out compared to potential future teammates. Only Dejan Kulusevski averaged more chances created per 90, while the already departed Son Heung-min (0.68) was the only Spurs player to create more big chances per 90 than him (0.56).
The Brazilian also possesses the best mix of pace, skill and also goalscoring abilities of the whole bunch – even adding Man City wingers – considering what he’s already shown for Girona. If he unlocks this part of his game again, he could be even more of a threat.
Savinho offers a lot of exclusive traits when you look at Tottenham. Besides, they need another forward, he would probably enjoy having more playing time. Thomas Frank usually relies a lot on his wingers and he’s already proved himself in the Premier League. It’s a fit that makes all kinds of sense.