From Fabrizio Romano: Potential future move to Manchester City for La Liga star ‘part of original plan’

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed that a move to Manchester City for Brazilian wonderkid Savio was all part of the ‘original plan’ when moving to Europe.

On-loan with City Football Group’s Girona, Savio has started life in Spain in exemplary form, offering contributions in front of goal that have led to Manchester City’s sister club to top spot in the Spanish top-flight table ahead of the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

The 19-year-old wide attacker has registered a total of 13 appearances in La Liga so far this campaign, scoring an impressive four goals and providing a further four assists, with actions coming against the likes of Getafe and Villarreal.

Given the player’s fine form during the opening months of the 2023/24 season, it is unsurprising to see the player linked with high-profile moves elsewhere in Europe, and questions raised over how Manchester City view the player.

Speaking as part of his Daily Briefing, Fabrizio Romano has this week revealed that the ‘original plan’ for Savio was a potential future move to Manchester City, should he develop well upon transitioning to European football.

“Part of City Group at Girona, a potential future move to Man City was part of the original plan for Savio when they signed him,” Romano explained. “It’s a normal plan but it’s not something guaranteed or decided yet, they want him to focus on Girona as he’s having a great season.”

Amid his continued fine form in La Liga with Girona, Savio has found himself linked with moves elsewhere in Spain’s top-flight, with Barcelona credited as a potential suitor. However, the advanced nature of such interest has been ruled out by Fabrizio Romano.

“Despite rumours, Barcelona are not in concrete talks to sign him,” he clarified.

Very few players have made the jump from City Football Group’s emerging talent category into the first-team squad at the Etihad Stadium, with Oleksandr Zinchenko arguably viewed as the only player to accomplish such a journey.

However, with Manchester City holding the Brazilian attacker in extremely high-regard, there is every possibility that Etihad Stadium officials deem Pep Guardiola as the next step of the player’s development.

The most recent summer transfer window saw City undergo work in the wide roles, with Jeremy Doku joining the club from Stade Rennes, whilst Riyad Mahrez left for the ever-growing football project in Saudi Arabia.