Manchester City manager says he is confident in the winger’s abilities and points out a key improvement area
Pep Guardiola has said he is convinced Savinho has the qualities to develop into one of Manchester City’s best attackers.
The Brazilian started his first game of the season on Wednesday, in the Carabao Cup tie against Huddersfield Town, having been injured at the start of the season.
He scored from an acute angle late on to put the tie to bed, as City emerged 2-0 winners and progressed to the fourth round of the competition.
Guardiola praised the youngster’s impact for the club since his arrival in the summer of 2024, and then pointed to opportunities for growth.
“In the final third, [he needs to] be active in the right moment,” said City’s manager. “The moment he does that, he’s young, he will be a top-class player.
“He created a lot against Huddersfield and for me, I analyse what they do, the body language.
“It doesn’t matter. He will make this step. It will come. Savinho will be a top player for Man City.”
The club are in talks to extend the player’s contract until 2031 with improved terms, despite still having four years left on his current deal.
The move comes after the 21-year-old was the target of a summer transfer deal for Tottenham. Savinho was reportedly open to the transfer but the two clubs failed to agree terms.
Guardiola has always backed the winger, calling him an “extraordinary player” during the summer.
When queried about Tottenham’s interest at the time, City’s head coach said: “The only thing I’m concerned about today is that Savinho will be with us all the season, and hopefully for many, many years.
“But at the end, as always, the desire of the player prevails above everything.”
