Savinho: The story of Man City’s new signing from Troyes

Girona manager Michel is not one to get carried away too easily.

He couldn’t resist the temptation, however, after watching Savinho train for the first time during pre-season last year, immediately calling sporting director Quique Carcel aside.

“We’re going to finish in the top eight,” he told Carcel, who tried, in vain, to bring him back down to earth. “Are you crazy or what?” As it would turn out, Michel could not have got it more right.

Such was Savinho’s impact at the Montilivi stadium that Michel’s prediction wasn’t bold enough – as Girona fought for the La Liga title until the very end. They finished in third place – behind only Real Madrid and Barcelona – and qualified for the Champions League. It was the best campaign in the club’s 93-year history.

Much of the credit for this was given to their electrifying winger.

In the space of a year, Savinho went from a player struggling in PSV Eindhoven reserves to a breakout star in Spain, making his Brazil debut against England at Wembley.

“I know this is a big statement, but I hadn’t seen anyone so effective in one-on-one situations since Vinicius Jr emerged,” Michel said.

“He was perhaps the most surprising talent in La Liga if you consider that [Jude] Bellingham was already known by everybody.”

It’s no wonder Manchester City have made Savinho their first signing of the summer, snapping him up from sister team Troyes, who had loaned him to Girona.

The 20-year-old has become the first player to climb all the way to the top of the City Football Group pyramid.

Having ended last season with 11 goals and 10 assists for Girona, he will be determined to prove that he’s here to stay. It should not be an issue for someone who, despite his age, has always stood out for his strong character and self-esteem.

“I was born with the gift of playing football,” he has said on multiple occasions.

City manager Pep Guardiola will now be hoping to make the most of it.