City star tempted by Saudi move | OneFootball

Bernardo Silva and Saudi Arabia’s Next Move

Bernardo Silva has long been admired as one of Manchester City’s most dependable performers, but now at 31, his name is once again circling the Saudi Pro League rumour mill. According to TalkSport, “Silva has been engaged in on-off talks with Saudi dealmakers since the summer of 2023, when Al Hilal made an offer worth around £500,000-per-week with a sign-on fee of over £2million.”

For a player who has delivered so consistently for Pep Guardiola, the temptation of one final lucrative move is no surprise. Yet, Silva remains firmly embedded in City’s plans, starting four of their opening six Premier League fixtures this season. His tally of over 400 appearances speaks to his loyalty and enduring value, not to mention the six Premier League titles and Champions League crown he has lifted since arriving from Monaco in 2017.

Saudi’s Ambitions for 2026

The Saudi Pro League is looking beyond the here and now. Officials see the 2026 World Cup as a golden moment, especially with the Portuguese audience they built following Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr in 2023. “League officials want Silva to sign a four-year contract, which would take him to the end of the next TV cycle.”

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It is calculated business. The new TV rights deal runs until 2028-29 and has already driven a 20 per cent increase in revenue, with matches now broadcast in 180 territories. If Ronaldo departs in 2027, Silva’s potential arrival would help ensure the Portuguese influence continues.

Rivals and Shifting Targets

Al Hilal may have initiated talks, but TalkSport reveal that Al Ahli and Al Qadsiah have since made enquiries. Meanwhile, Al Nassr are said to prefer a move for Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, even though he “rejected a huge £700,000-per-week contract with Al Hilal in the summer.”

Despite the vast £1.5 billion budget for transfers, wages and agent fees allocated this summer, Saudi clubs struggled to land top-tier talent. Al Hilal missed out on Victor Osimhen and Benjamin Sesko, though they did succeed in luring Darwin Núñez from Liverpool for £46 million. Other opportunities were stifled by foreign quota rules, as seen when Al Ittihad failed to make space for Fernandes due to Fabinho and N’Golo Kanté remaining in situ.

Eye on Future Stars

Next summer could see a greater push. The Saudi Ministry of Sport, according to TalkSport, are “less inclined to simply spend without seeing clubs providing a return on investment.” That does not mean ambition has cooled, far from it. Elite names like Harry Kane and Vinícius Júnior are high on the list, while younger Premier League stars such as Morgan Gibbs-White and Chelsea’s Andrey Santos are also being monitored.

Saudi’s appetite to add European quality remains vast, with new clubs such as NEOM SC and Diriyah emerging as further players in the market. Their recruitment has already begun with Abdoulaye Doucouré, and their interest in Silva signals a broader strategy to combine proven stars with developing talent.

Silva’s Decision

For Silva, the decision will be as much about timing as finances. He has made it clear he will not leave Manchester City before the 2026 World Cup, yet as one of Guardiola’s most trusted lieutenants, the draw of continuing at the pinnacle of European football is compelling.

At 31, this could be his final chance to secure a transformative deal, but for now, City continue to benefit from his intelligence, creativity and relentless work rate. The Saudi Pro League waits, ready to make him a centrepiece of its next big cycle.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool supporters will watch Silva’s situation with interest, though perhaps with a mix of scepticism and intrigue. The Saudi Pro League’s pursuit of big-name stars has already impacted the Reds, most notably with Darwin Núñez’s surprise departure to Al Hilal. Seeing Silva linked, and even Bruno Fernandes mentioned, reminds fans that no club is immune from these overtures.

From an expectant perspective, Silva moving could shift the Premier League landscape. Manchester City would lose a player who has been central to their dominance, offering rivals a glimmer of hope that their grip might loosen. For Liverpool fans, particularly under Arne Slot’s fresh leadership, such developments could provide opportunities in the title race.

However, there is also concern. If Saudi clubs continue to target players in their prime, it is not unthinkable that more of Anfield’s best talents could be courted. While Silva’s loyalty to City is clear, the precedent set by Saudi approaches for him, Fernandes and others points to a football economy where almost anyone can be tempted.

The reality is that Saudi Arabia’s project is far from finished. Their desire to build around Portuguese stars in 2026 shows a methodical plan rather than sporadic spending. Whether Silva chooses to become part of it or not, the ripple effects will be felt across English football. Liverpool fans may hope he stays in Manchester for a little longer, but they also recognise the broader trend, one that will test every club’s resolve in the years ahead.