Savinho has finally joined Tottenham Hotspur from Manchester City, with the Brazilian winger arriving in a transfer deal which could exceed $115 million.
Is he the catalyst for Spurs to finally get their act together in attack?
After spending big money on Sandro Tonali, Jan Paul van Hecke and Mateus Fernandes already this summer, Spurs continue to splash the cash with over $438 million spent on four new players.
This is a huge outlay and Spurs need these four players to become some of the best in the Premier League.
How will Savinho slots in at Spurs?
Is Savinho the answer to rejuvenating their attack? He will certainly help and his quality on the ball, direct running and crossing ability will suit Spurs’ forwards and onrushing midfielders.
Savinho’s injury issues over the last year or so are a concern and the fee is pretty huge based on him having just one great season at City so far.
But the quality Savinho has means he will start for Spurs right away and Roberto De Zerbi needs players who can deliver and punish opponents when Spurs win the ball back high up the pitch.
They will press high and win the ball back often in dangerous areas and Savinho is the kind of winger who will pounce on those chances.
But does he have enough quality around him to finish off the chances he will create?
Savinho will likely start on the right wing with Mathys Tel on the left, Tonali and Fernandes pushing forward from central midfield and one of Richarlison or Dominic Solanke up top. There are also reports Omar Marmoush or Cody Gakpo could join too, which would further bolster Spurs’ attack. That should be enough to see them score plenty of goals.
But do De Zerbi’s Spurs have a problem with balance?
There is a nagging problem at the other end of the pitch which seems to have been ignored. Even though Spurs have spent big to rebuild this summer as their near-relegation last season seemed to finally loosen the purse strings, the way Roberto De Zerbi’s side folded to lose 3-0 at Brentford was embarrassing.
Yes, they were missing Pedro Porro and Micky van de Ven from their defense, but it was still so poor. We also can’t overlook that they conceded 57 goals last season, with only the three relegated teams letting in more.
All of these new faces will take time to settle in but at least they all know the Premier League. That is a bonus.
Spurs still probably need a new goalkeeper and center forward between now and the window closing but Savinho’s arrival for huge money is a signal of their intent.
He also possesses the quality to help turn tight games in their favor and if he can stay fit, Spurs have a wealth of incredible attacking options because we haven’t even mentioned Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus, James Maddison and Xavi Simons, with the latter out for a few more months after his serious knee injury.
Spurs spending this much money on Savinho is a big surprise but they are trying their best to close the gap not only to the other big boys but the disruptors such as Bournemouth, Brighton and Brentford who finished way above them last season.
