Premier League to 'scrutinise' controversial transfer Man City already agreed

06 February 2024 , 19:32

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Pep Guardiola is keen on bringing Savio to Manchester City (Image: Shaun Botterill)

Manchester City's purchase of Brazilian teenager Savio is expected to be the subject of scrutiny by the Premier League over fair market value.

The 19-year-old will be valued by the Premier League so that those running the top flight can determine whether the transfer fell foul of cost control rules as Savio is already an employee of City Football Group. It is currently unclear over just how much Pep Guardiola's side will pay affiliated French outfit Troyes, a side Savio is yet to make an appearance for given he was loaned to Girona before he got the chance - another CFG club.

The 2004-born star has enjoyed a breakout season with the Spanish outfit, as they continue to make an unlikely charge for the La Liga title. Girona currently sit second in the table, two points behind table-toppers Real Madrid.

Savio has more than played his part, with five goals and seven assists in the league alone so far this term. He was the subject of interest from a number of other sides across the major leagues on the continent, including both the Premier League and the Bundesliga.

Some clubs in both of the aforementioned divisions even lodged bids, believed to be in the region of £25million, but City have won the race for Savio's signature and preparing the final details before confirming the switch. However, it has not come without controversy.

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There are rules in place in regards to transfers between two clubs under the same ownership that are implemented by both UEFA and the Premier League. Were the two teams deemed rivals, either of the governing bodies would intervene and block the move in question.

The most recently drafted terms of such ruling states that clubs must demonstrate to the Premier League board “fair market value of the transaction." For Savio's switch to get the green light, the player will need to be valued and City will have to fall in line with financial fair play rules given the English top-flight will adopt UEFA's system from next season.

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Savio is on the verge of a move to Manchester City - pending an assessment from the Premier League

In turn, getting Savio assessed at “book value” would mean City could spread out the amount he would cost the club over the course of the length of his contract.

He wouldn't be the first player to move between CFG clubs, with both Frank Lampard and Jack Harrison having done the same in the past, but Savio would be the first to do so since there has been such an intense spotlight placed on such transfers.

Josh O'Brien