“Manchester City Star has left Ethihad Stadium this afternoon the signing of Brazilian international and Girona Star Savinho
Collin Millar of The Athletic noted on X that City’s ability to recruit Savinho from a sister club where he had never played and had previously gone on loan at another sister club may be regarded problematic within elite football. All three clubs are members of the City Football Group.
Savinho was Troyes’ record signing in 2022, costing €12.5 million (£10.5 million/$13.6 million). Instead of helping the Ligue 1 team climb the French league standings, he went directly on loan to PSV Eindhoven. In his absence, Troyes were relegated in 2022-23. The Brazilian subsequently joined Girona on loan for 2023-24, scoring 19 goals and assisting in the club’s remarkable promotion to the Champions League. Meanwhile, Troyes experienced consecutive relegations. He has already moved to CFG’s flagship club Manchester City for £33.7 million ($43.5 million).
The City Football Group is the most visible example of a multi-club organization in the globe. It was created in 2013 and already has 11 members from four continents, as well as a small number of additional “partner clubs” in whom the CFG does not have direct ownership. Savinho is not the first CFG player to shift between teams without playing for the new team. Aaron Mooy joined Manchester City from Melbourne City in 2016, but was immediately loaned out and was sold the following year. Mix Diskerud was also on the books at Manchester City for three years after moving from New York City.
Manchester City will attempt to extend their already remarkable dominance of English football in 2024-25 by capturing a fifth straight Premier League title. However, with Pep Guardiola out of contract next summer and a suspected target for the England national team, the conclusion of a brilliant chapter may be closer than many people had previously anticipated.
