Savio explains 'Savinho' name change as Tottenham get good omen after £85m transfer

Brazilian has gone back to basics after completing Tottenham transfer

Savio has made a major change after completing his £85million transfer to Tottenham.

The Brazilian became Spurs’ seventh major signing of the summer window when his switch from Manchester City was confirmed on Tuesday morning.

Savio could now go straight into Roberto De Zerbi’s squad for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie at home to Charlton, though those in attendance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will notice something different about the club’s newest recruit.

During his time at Man City, 22-year-old was referred to as ‘Savinho’ with that name printed on the back of his shirts.

However, at Tottenham he will now be referred to as ‘Savio’ as that name has been emblazoned on the back of his new Spurs No17 shirt.

It’s not the first time the Brazilian has changed the name on his shirt having done so after arriving in Manchester following a successful loan spell at Girona.

There has not yet been an explanation as to why Savio has reverted back to what is his actual name, though the origins behind being called ‘Savinho’ is down to the Brazil national team.

“[My name change] is because in the national team, the first call-up they put Savinho on the shirt,” he explained in July 2024.

“People in Girona knew me more as Savinho, it was just written Savio on the shirt, you know?

Back to normal: Savio

AFP/Getty

The name change could be a good omen for the new Tottenham signing as his best season to date came when ‘Savio’ was printed on the back of his Girona shirt, scoring 11 goals and providing ten assists in the 2023-24 campaign.

He did get 13 assists across all competitions with ‘Savinho’ on the back of his Man City top in the 2024-25 season, but only managed to score seven goals in 84 appearances for the club.