Hansi Flick gives green light to sign Portuguese free agent but the club must sell one player | OneFootball

It is pretty much established that Barcelona are in pole position to sign Bernardo Silva as a free agent this summer.

Although Atletico Madrid are also involved, Silva has clearly told Los Rojiblancos he wants to move to Barça.

The club were merely waiting for approval from coach Hansi Flick, who had reservations about the growing competition in creative midfield.

Flick gives his approval

Flick has given his approval for Silva deal. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

According to RAC 1, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, Flick has now expressed his approval of the signing, clearing one of the last remaining internal hurdles for the deal to progress.

The 31-year-old’s contract at Manchester City expires on June 30th after nine seasons at the Etihad, meaning Barcelona would not need to pay a transfer fee.

He is also willing to accept a significantly lower salary than he earned in England, further easing the financial burden on the club.

He was a specific target of former coach Xavi Hernandez but Manchester City were unwilling to sell at the time.

Now a free agent, his priority is clear, having turned down Atletico Madrid and several other clubs in favour of waiting for Barcelona to formalise their interest.

Departures needed first

Barcelona need to make one exit in order to sign Silva. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

However, nothing is finalised yet. Barcelona must first trim their squad to create the necessary space, both in terms of wages and registration.

Marc Casado and Roony Bardghji are identified as the most likely candidates to depart, with Casado’s agent Jorge Mendes also representing Silva as well. He has also been linked with a move AS Monaco recently.

Versatile enough to play as a double pivot, attacking midfielder or right winger, and having missed just 26 matches across club and country in the last 11 seasons, Silva would add quality and reliability to every area of Flick’s midfield.