Bernardo Silva issues new update on Manchester City future as contract expires | OneFootball

Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva has issued a fresh update on his future beyond the ongoing campaign, with his contract expiring at the end of the season.

The 31-year-old was allowed to enter the final year of his current deal by Manchester City executives, led by director of football Hugo Viana, in the recent transfer window amid strong interest in Silva from clubs across Europe and Saudi Arabia.

Silva joined Manchester City from AS Monaco in 2017 and has played a fundamental role in the success enjoyed by the Blues under Pep Guardiola, who famously said in the 2018-19 season that Silva would stay with him at the Etihad Stadium for the entirety of his managerial spell at the club.

However, City are undergoing a period of transition and after Viana introduced sweeping changes to the first-team squad in the summer, there remain doubts over Silva’s long-term future in Manchester.

Though City and Guardiola would be delighted to see Silva put pen to paper and commit his future to the eight-time Premier League champions, it will not come as a surprise should the Portugal international decide to embark upon a new chapter after nine illustrious seasons in England.

Silva has won the biggest prizes in club football during his decorated time at the Etihad Stadium and should he choose to leave, the Manchester City captain will do so with the blessing of Guardiola and his teammates.

Speaking to DAZN Portugal, as translated and relayed by Mirror Sport, Silva admitted that while he is closing in on a natural exit from the Etihad Stadium, no firm decision has yet been made on the matter.

“It’s my last year of contract. It is still to be seen what will happen. But, regardless (of what happens), it’s always an honour,” the 31-year-old midfielder said.

“And after so many years, of course also being one of the oldest (in the squad), the time has come for me to share all this experience and all this information to help the youngsters.

“As I said, I want to be as prepared as soon as possible to be able to fight for important things, which is what is demanded in this club.”

Silva has publicly said that he has made up his mind over his club future but a decision is only expected to be made public in the spring of 2026, which would allow Manchester City executives ample time to recruit a potent replacement for one of their greatest ever servants.

There remains an outside chance that Silva – who has attracted strong interest from Benfica and will not have a dearth of suitors – could look to renew his current deal and lead this new-look Manchester City side back to winning major trophies in the seasons to come – after being given the armband by Guardiola this summer.