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Savinho verdict issued by Pep Guardiola as Hugo Viana advances contract renewal talks

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has given his two cents on Savinho’s form of late as officials at the Etihad Stadium table contract renewal talks with the forward’s camp.

Savinho joined the Blues from CFG-owned club ESTAC Troyes last summer and has displayed signs of a potentially very good forward in the future but one that needs regular playing opportunities and coaching to hone his game.

Settling into life at the Etihad Stadium is no mean feat and it did not help the 21-year-old that his debut year in England coincided with Manchester City’s most challenging season in a decade and certainly Guardiola’s most testing year in England.

City’s wide attackers have gradually deteriorated in terms of attacking output since the notable departures of Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez from the Etihad Stadium, with the Blues also selling Cole Palmer to Chelsea for £40 million in 2023.

Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku did not have their best seasons in a Manchester City shirt last term as Guardiola turned to Savinho to rotate between the left and right wings and provide a direct threat to his opposing full-back.

However, despite his raw talent and ability on the ball, Savinho has some way to go to achieve the levels hit by Sane, Sterling and Mahrez at Manchester City. The first season at City is the trickiest for new signings and it was no different for Savinho.

The summer transfer window threw a curveball when Tottenham registered a strong interest in the Brazilian, who was open to the move amid concerns over his long-term prospects under Guardiola and tempted by the chance to move to London and replace departed Tottenham legend Son Heung-Min after the club’s UEFA Europa League success last season.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is believed to have held direct talks with Manchester City bosses on the day of the club’s Premier League fixture in August, when goals from Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha sealed a 2-0 win for Thomas Frank’s men at the Etihad Stadium.

Savinho spent the final weeks of the summer transfer window out injured as he trained individually amidst doubts over his club future, with Tottenham put off by Manchester City’s £70 million valuation of a player bosses at the Etihad Stadium clearly felt was worth the quote figure given the length of time remaining on the forward’s contract.

A transfer failed to materialise in the end and Savinho started and scored for the first time for Manchester City since the summer in their 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town in the Carabao Cup third-round in midweek.

Fabrizio Romano reported on Thursday evening that Manchester City officials are progressing contract renewal negotiations with Savinho’s representatives, which has raised questions online amongst Manchester City’s fans on how the club are seemingly offering a new deal a player who was very open to an exit not a month ago.

Speaking on Savinho ahead of Manchester City’s Premier League meeting with Burnley, Guardiola said: “Savinho created a lot last season but the final third, a little bit too hectic in the right moment. The moment he improves that, because he’s so young, he will be a top class player!

“He can play on both sides, so speedy, work ethic. He created a lot in the last game against Huddersfield. And Savio, the moment he makes this step, in a natural way it will come, Savinho will be a top player for Manchester City!”

Savinho is likely to return to the bench when Manchester City face Burnley at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, with Jeremy Doku rested in midweek and in fine form since the international break and Phil Foden seeming like he is back to his best.