June 12, (THEWILL) – Bernardo Silva has expressed his desire to leave new European champions, Manchester City, during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Silva, whose contract with City runs until 2025, played a pivotal role in the team’s triumphant treble season under the guidance of manager, Pep Guardiola. His remarkable performances, particularly in the UEFA Champions League, where he scored two goals in the convincing 4-0 victory over Real Madrid, contributed significantly to City’s success.
During his City career, which began in May 2017 with a transfer fee of over £60m paid to Monaco, Silva has amassed an impressive 14 trophies. Despite City’s continued achievements over the past six years, uncertainties surrounding Silva’s future at the club have been growing. In August 2022, he openly acknowledged his happiness at City, but admitted uncertainty about what lies ahead. Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain were strongly linked with the 28-year-old midfielder, and in January 2023, City rejected an enquiry from Barcelona.
Silva has now reconfirmed his intention to seek new challenges this summer, and City is open to considering offers around £75m. While Barcelona’s financial capacity to complete a transfer remains uncertain, it is understood that Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain view Silva as an ideal replacement for Lionel Messi, who is on his way to MLS side Inter Miami. Although Messi’s return to Barcelona seemed imminent after extensive speculation and negotiations, the club’s financial complications prevented the deal from materializing.
PSG is aiming to convince Silva that a return to Ligue 1 is his best option, given the impending departure of Messi. However, sources indicate that Silva’s preference lies with a move to Barcelona. Still, Silva has a positive rapport with PSG’s Director of Football, Luis Campos, as they previously worked together at Monaco, where Silva played a crucial role in securing the Ligue 1 title in 2017, including scoring a memorable goal against PSG to end the club’s 17-year title drought.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
