Manchester City are moving early to prepare for the possible departure of Savinho, with Palmeiras winger Allan Elias emerging as their preferred replacement.
According to transfer journalist Santi Aouna, City have advanced their plans to sign the 22-year-old Brazilian winger, with the move being prepared around Savinho’s expected exit. Reports indicate Savinho is heading towards Tottenham, which would leave City needing another option on the right side of their attack.
The potential move is interesting for a reason beyond the transfer itself. City appear to be choosing potential over experience once again.
Allan Has Already Attracted Serious Interest
Allan is not an unknown talent in Brazil. The Palmeiras academy product has become an important first-team player and has already attracted interest from several European clubs. Aston Villa, for example, reportedly indicated a €30 million package for the winger in July, but Palmeiras rejected the approach because they wanted to keep him for the current season.
That decision shows how highly Palmeiras currently rate him. In 2026, Allan has recorded six goals and four assists in 34 appearances, establishing himself as an important part of Abel Ferreira’s team. He also has significant experience for his age, despite only breaking into Palmeiras’ senior side recently.
Why City May See Him as Savinho’s Replacement
There are obvious similarities between the two players. Both are Brazilian wide attackers who can operate from the right and are comfortable using pace and direct movement to create opportunities.
That could make Allan an easier fit for City’s existing structure than signing a completely different type of attacker.
More importantly, City would be continuing a recruitment strategy that has increasingly looked towards young South American talent before their prices reach their peak. Instead of waiting until Allan becomes an established European star, City appear interested in getting involved while he is still developing.
But This Is Not a Like-for-Like Upgrade
There is an obvious concern for City supporters. Savinho already knows English football, has Premier League experience and has played under Pep Guardiola. Allan would be arriving from Brazil and would still need time to adjust to the speed, physicality and tactical demands of the Premier League.
That makes this more of a long-term replacement than an immediate one-for-one swap. Some supporters may therefore question why City would replace one developing winger with another rather than use the money on an established first-team player. The answer could be that City are thinking beyond the next season.
Palmeiras Are Not in a Hurry
City may also have to pay heavily for that strategy. Palmeiras rejected Aston Villa’s €30 million proposal and have previously resisted other approaches because they see Allan as an important player for their 2026 campaign.
That gives the Brazilian club significant negotiating power. If City want Allan badly enough, they may have to convince Palmeiras to sell a player they currently have little reason to lose.
For City, this is another bet on Brazil’s next big talent. The question is whether Allan can develop quickly enough to replace what Savinho leaves behind, or whether Guardiola’s team will still need a more proven attacker.
