Tottenham Hotspur have signed Brazilian winger Savio from Manchester City for £85million, taking their summer spending past the £300million mark and intensifying scrutiny on manager Roberto De Zerbi.
The club's outlay has drawn comparisons with Liverpool's record-breaking summer of 2025, when they spent £445million. Jamie Carragher suggested on Sky Sports that Liverpool's spending could prove to be the worst transfer window in Premier League history. Spurs have not reached that level yet, but with days left in the window, more arrivals are expected.
Pressure Mounts on De Zerbi
The lavish spending reflects the owners' enthusiasm and faith in De Zerbi, but it places added pressure on the Italian coach. While Arsenal are tipped to be a class apart this season, no other team stands out, and Spurs' ambition could pay off.
However, concerns have already emerged, most notably the performance at Brentford in the opening Premier League game. Spurs were described as a shambles, with a lack of midfield protection for the defence being a key issue.
Key Signings Under Scrutiny
That protection should be led by Sandro Tonali, who cost £100million after scoring five goals and making four assists in 79 Premier League appearances for Newcastle United. Jan Paul van Hecke, who cost £52million, had only a year left on his Brighton contract.
Savio himself scored only twice in 53 Premier League appearances after joining Manchester City for just over £30million in 2024. His fee could rise to £85million, a hike in valuation that should mystify most, even allowing for Premier League inflation.
More Arrivals Expected
Savio is expected to be followed by Omar Marmoush, who has scored ten goals in 37 appearances for City. There is also talk of interest in Cody Gakpo, though Liverpool are unlikely to sanction a sale unless offered well over the odds.
Spurs are currently league leaders in paying over the odds, by some distance. As Carragher noted, Liverpool did the same 12 months ago with no positive effect, but Spurs will work on the basis that they cannot fail to improve on last season. Whether the improvement matches the expenditure remains open to serious debate.
