Bernardo Silva rejects immediate opportunity to join boyhood club after Manchester City exit | OneFootball

Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva is reportedly unwilling to rejoin one of his former clubs when his time at the Etihad Stadium comes to an end as expected this summer.

Since arriving from Monaco in 2017, Bernardo Silva has established himself as a technical heartbeat and selfless leader within City’s most decorated era, with over 440 appearances and a staggering 19 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League.

Renowned for his ball retention and versatility, the 31-year-old club captain recently reaffirmed his legendary status by putting in an experienced performance during City’s 2-0 Carabao Cup Final victory over Arsenal on March 22, 2026.

However, despite his continued importance to Pep Guardiola’s system, his current contract is officially set to expire in June, and with no extension in sight and heavy interest mounting across Europe, the Portuguese international appears increasingly likely to end his decade-long stay at the Etihad Stadium.

Why Bernardo Silva may not be returning to Benfica next

But according to A Bola, Bernardo Silva is not ready to consider a return to Portugal this summer, should he exit Manchester City upon the expiry of his existing contractual agreement at the club.

It is explained that the Portugal international is ‘not receptive to a return’ to his home country in the coming seasons given he has ongoing ‘goals to achieve abroad’, intending to ‘continue shining in a league more powerful’ than the Portuguese division, and an ambition to sign a ‘new multi-million dollar contract’.

As such, given his abilities at the top of his profession, it is claimed that Bernardo Silva believes his career should continue away from Portugal in the coming seasons for a salary ‘on par’ with his City agreement – reportedly worth around €10 million net per year.

Who could Man City target to replace Bernardo Silva?

Replacing a figure as unique as Bernardo Silva involves a two-pronged strategy from director of football Hugo Viana, including the securing of an elite, ready-made talent while accelerating the integration of high-potential internal successors.

This season alone has seen the club increasingly lean on the internal rise of Nico O’Reilly, and following his match-winning brace in the 2026 Carabao Cup Final from the attack-minded left-back role, the 21-year-old has already secured a permanent role in the first-team line-up.

The vital nature of the England international also accompanies the ever-impressive integration of the creative Rayan Cherki, which could perhaps ensure that Bernardo Silva’s departure does not leave City short of players capable of operating in tight pockets.

Looking to the market, Manchester City remain linked with a number of high-profile midfield options from within the Premier League, most notably Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali.