Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he really wants to keep young star Savinho, but he can’t guarantee the player will still be at the club after the summer transfer window closes in September.

Savinho, who is only 21 years old, has become a big name in European soccer over the last year. His speed, skill, and creativity have caught the attention of several top clubs — especially Tottenham Hotspur, who are reportedly very interested in signing him.

Pep Guardiola made it clear he loves having Savinho in the squad, but he admitted that in soccer, nothing is ever 100% certain when it comes to transfers.

“I don’t know. Tottenham or any other club who wants a player should call the club,” Pep Guardiola said.
“I am only concerned right now that Savinho will be with us for the rest of the season and hopefully many, many years. At 21 years old, with the potential he has, he plays a lot of minutes. He still needs to improve in his final decisions, but he’s an extraordinary player. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have played more than 3,000 minutes last season.”

 Soccer Fact: What Does “3,000 Minutes” Mean?

In professional soccer, a player’s game time is often measured in minutes played instead of just matches. Since one standard match is 90 minutes (not counting extra time), 3,000 minutes means Savinho played roughly 33 full matches last season. That’s a lot for someone so young.

Why Savinho’s Future Is Uncertain

Pep Guardiola explained that the final decision about whether Savinho stays or goes doesn’t just depend on him.

“In the end, the desire of the players is above everything. Then they have to find an agreement with the club. If they don’t make an agreement, the player will be here because the club spent money on that player,” he said.

In soccer, players often want a mix of things: high-level competition, good wages, plenty of game time, and sometimes a new challenge in a different league. If Savinho decides he wants to move, the club would have to negotiate with whoever wants to buy him.

Savinho Injured in Pre-Season

Unfortunately for City fans, Savinho will not be playing for a little while. Pep Guardiola revealed that he picked up an injury during last week’s pre-season friendly match against Palermo in Italy. The manager said the winger will be out for “a few weeks.”

Pre-season games are meant to get players back in shape before the real competitions begin, but sometimes injuries happen. Managers often try to balance giving their players minutes with keeping them healthy for the long season ahead.

 Soccer Fact: What Is a “Friendly”?

A friendly match is a game that doesn’t count toward league standings or official tournaments. Teams use friendlies to test tactics, give younger players experience, and help regular starters get fit before the season.

Rodri’s Injury Concerns

Another talking point for Pep Guardiola was the fitness of Rodri, City’s midfield leader. Rodri missed most of last season due to a serious knee injury. The Spanish star is known as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, helping control the game and protect the defense.

Pep Guardiola said Rodri is “close to coming back” and might travel with the team for their upcoming game against Wolves, but his return will be managed carefully.

“It is important his knee is perfect,” Guardiola said. “He needs to play minutes in training sessions.”

The manager also hinted that because the Premier League season is so demanding, they need to make sure Rodri’s knee can handle the pressure before playing him fully.

 Soccer Fact: Why Midfielders Like Rodri Are So Important

The midfield is the “engine room” of a soccer team. A player like Rodri is key because he connects the defense and attack, wins back possession, and starts attacks. Many managers believe that controlling the midfield is the best way to control the entire game.

Pep Guardiola Wants a Smaller Squad

Over the last few seasons, Pep Guardiola has been clear that he prefers a smaller squad so every player has a good chance of playing regularly. He believes too many players sitting on the bench can create frustration and harm team spirit.

That’s part of why Jack Grealish, the England winger, was allowed to leave City this week and join Everton.

Grealish’s Move to Everton

Jack Grealish was a major figure in City’s historic treble-winning season in 2023 (when they won the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in the same year). However, over the past two seasons, he struggled to maintain his form.

Rumors also suggested he enjoyed partying a little too much off the pitch, which might have affected his performances. Pep Guardiola didn’t comment on that directly but wished him well:

“I wish him all the best at a traditional club like Everton and hopefully he can play, play, and play,” he said.

For Everton, signing a high-profile player like Grealish could be a huge boost. The club has a passionate fan base and a long history in English soccer, but they’ve been struggling in the Premier League in recent years.

James McAtee Close to Leaving Too

Another possible departure from City is young midfielder James McAtee, who is reportedly close to finalizing a move to Nottingham Forest. McAtee is a talented attacking player but has found it hard to get regular minutes at City due to the competition for places.

 Soccer Fact: Why Some Players Leave Big Clubs

Even top players sometimes leave big teams like Manchester City. At a club with so many stars, it’s hard to get regular playing time. Moving to a slightly smaller club can give a player more chances to start games and show what they can do.

Looking Ahead for Manchester City

Manchester City are aiming for another strong season in the Premier League and Europe. They have one of the best squads in the world, but injuries, transfers, and player form will play a big role in how successful they can be.

Savinho’s situation will be closely watched by fans, especially with the transfer window still open. If Tottenham — or another big club — makes a big enough offer and the player wants to move, City might have to make a decision.

In the meantime, Pep Guardiola will be hoping his team stays fit and focused for the long season ahead. With stars like Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Phil Foden still in the squad, City remain one of the favorites to win the Premier League again.

Final Thought

Soccer is unpredictable. Players get injured, new talents emerge, and transfer rumors swirl all the time. Pep Guardiola may want Savinho for “many years,” but in the modern game, even the most promising players sometimes move on sooner than expected.

City fans will be hoping Savinho’s story in Manchester is just beginning — but they’ll also know that anything can happen before September’s transfer deadline.