Collin Millar of The Athletic highlighted on X that Manchester City’s recruitment of Savinho from a sister club within the City Football Group (CFG) raises concerns in elite football circles. Savinho had never played for the sister club he was signed from and had been loaned out to another CFG club.
This practice is seen as problematic, as it involves moving players between clubs within the same ownership group without them playing for their registered team.
Savinho became Troyes’ record signing in 2022 for €12.5 million (£10.5 million/$13.6 million). However, instead of contributing to Troyes’ performance in Ligue 1, he was immediately loaned to PSV Eindhoven. In his absence, Troyes was relegated in the 2022-23 season.
For the 2023-24 season, Savinho joined Girona on loan, scoring 19 goals and helping the club qualify for the Champions League.
Meanwhile, Troyes faced back-to-back relegations. Savinho has since moved to Manchester City, the flagship club of CFG, for £33.7 million ($43.5 million).
The City Football Group is the most prominent example of a multi-club organization, established in 2013. It now comprises 11 clubs across four continents and a few “partner clubs” where CFG does not have direct ownership. Savinho is not the first player to move within CFG without playing for his new team.
For instance, Aaron Mooy joined Manchester City from Melbourne City in 2016 but was immediately loaned out and sold the following year. Similarly, Mix Diskerud was on Manchester City’s books for three years after moving from New York City.
As Manchester City aims to continue its dominance in English football by securing a fifth consecutive Premier League title in the 2024-25 season, there are looming uncertainties.
Pep Guardiola’s contract is set to expire next summer, and he is rumored to be a potential target for the England national team. This situation suggests that the end of a successful era for the club may be nearer than previously thought.
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