Savinho exit looms as Man City weigh winger options and Bouaddi midfield interest grows

Manchester City face a significant summer reshuffle in attack, with Savinho’s potential departure to Tottenham Hotspur driving the club’s search for wide reinforcements, according to chief City writer Simon Bajkowski’s weekly Q&A.

Tottenham registered their interest in the Brazilian winger immediately after the season ended, though progress has stalled as Spurs redirected funds toward other areas of their squad. With Savinho absent from World Cup duty, there has been no obvious forcing mechanism to accelerate a deal — but City are treating the exit as a realistic outcome and have begun identifying replacements.

City’s recruitment team has been monitoring wide players, though Bajkowski notes the club’s flexibility means a left-footed profile is not strictly essential. He points to Bernardo Silva’s role on the right wing during the Treble-winning campaign as evidence that City can adapt. A more central attacking signing remains an alternative route, particularly if Omar Marmoush were also to leave — though that scenario is considered less likely.

Eighteen-year-old academy winger Ryan McAidoo has been mentioned by supporters as a potential in-house option, but Bajkowski tempered those expectations, noting that McAidoo’s pre-season performances could earn him squad minutes rather than a first-team starting role. The teenager is not viewed internally as a direct replacement for any senior departure.

In midfield, Ayyoub Bouaddi remains the most prominent named target beyond the already-confirmed Elliot Anderson signing. Anderson, who joined from Newcastle United, will not link up with his new teammates immediately, continuing to represent England in their World Cup campaign before taking a break ahead of the new season. He could make his City debut in the Community Shield against Arsenal on 16 August.

The managerial picture has also been resolved, with Enzo Maresca confirmed as head coach on Monday after signing a three-year deal. The Italian’s appointment sets the tactical backdrop against which City’s transfer business will be shaped over the coming weeks.