Brazilian prodigy Savinho vowed to solve Manchester City’s right wing riddle after signing for £21million on Thursday evening.
The forward, whose starring role in Girona’s unlikely title tilt in La Liga saw him called up to Brazil’s Copa America squad, joined the Premier League champions from sister club Troyes in a deal that could reach £32m.
City identified the 20-year-old as a target midway through last season and were making regular checks on his progress with a view to him heading on their tour of the United States to impress Pep Guardiola.
But Savinho’s subsequent performances for Girona made it clear that he could play a part in Guardiola’s squad this term. He’s now on holiday after the Copa America and expected to link up with the team next month.
City are having a quiet summer in the transfer market and further incomings could depend on senior stars leaving the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City have completed the signing of Brazilian winger Savinho on a five-year deal
The 20-year-old recently featured at the Copa America with Brazil after a stunning season in LaLiga
The capture of Savinho helps Guardiola’s balance in attack, with Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva and Jeremy Doku all operating on the right last season - when the trio are seen as better suited elsewhere.
‘I can play on the left, on the right, I can play inside too, but my best position, the one I
like playing the most, is playing on the right wing,’ he said.
Savinho is one of Brazil's emerging stars after breaking into the national team earlier in the year
Savinho will wear the No.26 shirt at the club previously donned by former star Riyad Mahrez
Last season Savinho made 41 appearances for Girona, returning 11 goals and 10 assists
‘I like playing one against one, making assists, scoring goals too, and helping the team. My main characteristic, what I like the most, is being happy and getting fans up off their seats.’
The attacking talent enjoyed an outstanding season in Spain with City's sister club Girona where his 11 goals and 10 assists helped them qualify for the Champions League for the first time.
Savinho will wear the No. 26 shirt for City next season that was previously worn by former title-winning star Riyad Mahrez and has been vacant ever since his departure for Saudi Arabia.
The Brazilian picked the number with Mahrez one of his favourite players growing up during which time he won five Premier League titles and one Champions League alongside other major honours.