Manchester City

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Strong on the ball and able to change direction in a second fraction, Savinho was originally registered at third-division club Troyes, but never featured for the French side. Instead, he was sent on loan to PSV Eindhoven.

An early injury, however, stalled his progression and, combined with reduced minutes after that, made it impossible for him to shine in the Eredivisie.

Girona had watched him in the 2023 Under-20 World Cup and decided he was worth the bet, although it was not easy to convince Michel at first as he had asked for an experienced winger.

“Savinho didn’t have much senior football under his belt; he had been sidelined at PSV, played for the reserves, but not as starter, so that was a difficult sell,” said Carcel.

He had to hit the ground running and so he did, imposing himself from the first moment he arrived in Catalonia. He wasn’t allowed to switch off for a minute. He simply couldn’t.

“You have the potential to finish this season with 10 goals and 20 assists, so do it,” Michel told him during half-time in a match in which he had already scored and assisted once.

It certainly won’t get any easier for Savinho under Guardiola.

He doesn’t mind. He’s living his dream.

Read more on Man City’s newest signing here.