Pep Guardiola faces Savinho headache as summer transfer decisions looms at Man City
Savinho had one of his best games in a Manchester City shirt as Newcastle United were knocked out of the FA Cup on Saturday.
The Brazilian baffled when netting the equaliser at St James' Park on 7 March, just allowing Jeremy Doku's cross to hit his leg and watch it tumble over the line, and past a helpless Aaron Ramsdale.
Having scored just one goal in his previous 21 games, it could have been very easy for the young winger to get in his head before scoring, firing wide or getting over the ball and smashing one over the crossbar.
Instead, he ignited the Citizens' comeback away from home, with Omar Marmoush notching a second-half brace to ensure the team, second in the Premier League, advanced in the FA Cup.
Multiple Man City players are exit-linked ahead of the summer, including Savinho, but that has the potential to change between now and the end of the season.
Savinho interest unlikely to subside this summer
Tottenham were the main club strongly linked with the 21-year-old during the last two transfer windows, with Savinho unable to get regular minutes under Guardiola.
While that has not totally changed, the Brazilian is only young, being given more cameos off the bench, and has just reminded many why the club signed him in the first place.
He now has four goals and three assists in 29 appearances this season, and the interest in the player is unlikely to fade as clubs from around Europe keep a close eye on his current situation.
Should they survive the relegation battle, it would not be a surprise to see Spurs come back in for Savinho's signature, which is exactly why Guardiola has a difficult decision to make this summer.
Pep Guardiola could cash in on exciting Man City gem
There is no doubt that Savinho is a talented player, but it remains to be seen if he is the right fit for this Man City squad or for Guardiola's playing style.
The Catalan, other than Doku, appears to have moved on from the pacey, technical winger type in the squad, with the likes of Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Marmoush and Rayan Cherki often occupying the flanks.
Mick Brown told Football Insider that Man City plan to open talks with Foden over a new contract, but that is unlikely to be the case with Savinho, whose current deal runs until 2031.
So, develop him into the player Guardiola wants, or cash in for a sizeable fee? If he continues to show his best characteristics, selling now may come back to bite the club, but the manager can only continue benching him for so long.