Savinho is no more. Savio is back.
The Brazil winger has removed his diminutive nickname upon his £75 million move to Tottenham Hotspur from Manchester City.
The 22-year-old Atletico Mineiro youth product had gone with the Savinho moniker upon joining City in 2024. The nickname originated with the national team earlier that year. The “inho” diminutive is a common one in Portuguese-speaking countries and in football writ large.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity at a brilliant club with one of the best managers in the world,” Savio said of the move and working with Roberto De Zerbi. “As soon as I spoke to the head coach I knew I had to come. He told me he wants to help me reach the highest level, and I believe we can do that together, as a team.”
Savio made 53 Premier League appearances across two seasons for City, scoring three goals. He is expected to have some company from the Etihad in short order with Spurs expected to complete the signing of Egypt forward Omar Marmoush from City ahead of the transfer window shutting on Sept. 1.
The arrival of Savio is part of a giant squad overhaul as Spurs came perilously close to relegation last spring, finishing 17th in the table. Spurs has also brought in midfielder Matheus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, as well as defenders Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
Spurs were thrashed 3-0 by Brentford in their opening match of the season on Sunday. They return to action on Wednesday, hosting Charlton Athletic in a League Cup tie. The club next sees Premier League action on Saturday at home to Newcastle.
