Juventus and Benfica lead chase for City star | OneFootball

Report: Bernardo Silva’s Future Sparks Juventus and Benfica Interest

Contract situation shaping speculation

Bernardo Silva’s future has become one of the key talking points of the transfer market, with AS Fútbol reporting that his contract at Manchester City is due to expire and, as of now, there are no signs of renewal. The situation is reminiscent of Kevin De Bruyne last year, when uncertainty over his deal created widespread speculation across Europe.

Silva, now entering the veteran stage of his career, remains a footballer of rare technical quality and intelligence. His versatility across midfield and forward lines makes him a player many would covet, especially if available on a free transfer. Juventus are among those exploring the idea, while Benfica, his boyhood club, have also been pushing quietly, though their financial capacity could make the move difficult.

Photo: IMAGO

Juventus connections and Mendes influence

One of the decisive figures in this story is Jorge Mendes. The agent represents Silva and has an increasingly strong relationship with Juventus after negotiating the summer transfer of Conceição. The report notes that “un papel decisivo en el asunto lo desempeñará el agente Jorge Mendes, que vela por los intereses de Bernardo Silva y tiene una excelente relación con la Juve, cimentada en verano con el traspaso de Conceiçao.”

Juventus are eager to add proven quality to a squad that has been rebuilt steadily but without a headline signing of this scale in recent years. Silva’s technical assurance, combined with his experience of winning at the highest level, would be a statement arrival. Mendes’ role will be crucial, given his reputation for managing high-profile career moves.

Benfica dream faces financial barriers

For Benfica, the return of Silva would be emotional as well as strategic. Bringing back a product of their academy would symbolise the strength of their development pathway and give the team an elite creative midfielder. Yet as AS Fútbol highlights, his wages could be a stumbling block. Portuguese clubs, even the biggest, rarely compete with the financial might of Serie A or the Premier League when it comes to salaries.

Supporters of Benfica would no doubt relish the romantic prospect, but logic suggests Juventus and perhaps other European heavyweights may ultimately have the stronger hand. Silva’s decision is likely to hinge not only on sentiment but also on financial and competitive considerations.

Photo IMAGO

Wider market implications

Bernardo Silva’s potential availability reflects a growing trend of top-level players running down contracts in search of leverage or new challenges. It raises questions about Manchester City’s planning, particularly given Silva’s role as one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted players in recent seasons.

For now, City have other priorities, but letting Silva walk away without securing a transfer fee would be a rare lapse from a club normally ahead of the curve in contract management. His departure, should it come to pass, would also leave a gap in both leadership and creativity.

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From a Manchester City supporter’s perspective, reports like this are difficult to process. Bernardo Silva has been central to everything good about the club’s play in recent years, a footballer who combines tactical intelligence with technical mastery. Losing him on a free transfer would feel like a massive oversight by the board, given his importance and the fact he has always been considered one of Pep Guardiola’s “go-to” players in high-pressure matches.

The Juventus link is concerning but predictable. Serie A clubs are increasingly clever in exploiting contract situations, and Mendes’ connection with the Turin hierarchy makes the story believable. Benfica is more of an emotional idea, and while City fans respect the bond between Silva and his first club, the financial reality should prevent it.

From a fan’s point of view, the priority is simple. City need to either tie Bernardo down with a contract extension or ensure they cash in before he leaves for nothing. Supporters would hate to see such a trusted figure go for free, especially as he has been crucial in Champions League triumphs and multiple Premier League titles. If this is indeed Silva’s final season, fans will hope he departs on the highest of notes, but most would still prefer the club to act decisively to keep him in Manchester.