Three clubs named as potential suitors in summer transfer chase for Bernardo Silva | OneFootball

Bernardo Silva is expected to be one of the key names in demand across football when he becomes available on a free transfer, as is currently expected.

The coming months are shaping up to be pivotal for sporting director Hugo Viana and Manchester City once again, as attention increasingly turns toward the futures of several senior figures within Pep Guardiola’s squad.

Among them, few situations carry as much emotional and sporting weight as that of Bernardo Silva, whose influence at the Etihad Stadium has spanned nearly a decade of unprecedented success.

While Manchester City remain fully focused on competing across multiple fronts during the ongoing campaign, there is a growing sense that this season may represent the final chapter of Silva’s legendary time in sky blue.

The Portugal international has been central to Guardiola’s tactical flexibility, often trusted for his intelligence, work rate, and technical quality. However, with his contract winding down and no extension in sight at present, the narrative around his future has shifted markedly compared to previous seasons.

According to MailSport’s Jack Gaughan, and with Bernardo Silva still out of contract at Manchester City at the end of the ongoing season, all of Benfica, Juventus and Chicago Fire are among those keen on securing the Portugal international on a free transfer.

From City’s perspective, Pep Guardiola has recently spoken in reflective terms when discussing Silva’s importance, making it clear the decision ultimately rests with the player. The Catalan coach has emphasised how much trust he places in Silva, while also acknowledging that personal and family considerations will play a decisive role in determining the next step.

Bernardo Silva himself has remained publicly non-committal, choosing instead to underline his focus on finishing the season strongly. After European action earlier this year, he spoke about giving everything for the club that has defined the prime of his career, stopping short of addressing whether talks over a renewal are ongoing.

Notably, in previous comments late last year, he openly referenced this being the final year of his deal, without hinting at progress toward an extension but did once suggest that a decision may have already been made – despite now not being the time to openly discuss that direction of travel.

As the summer approaches, City supporters are bracing themselves for the possibility of a departure that would mark the end of an era. Whether Bernardo Silva’s next move takes him back to familiar surroundings in Lisbon, into European football elsewhere, or toward an entirely new challenge, his legacy at the Etihad Stadium is already secure.