Juventus see Barcelona as a ‘major threat’ in pursuit of Manchester City captain – report | OneFootball

Bernardo Silva has officially confirmed this week that he will leave Manchester City when his contract expires on 30 June.

The 31-year-old Portuguese midfielder has been one of FC Barcelona’s most consistent transfer targets in recent seasons, but financial constraints made the deal unfeasible at the time.

But now that he is set to become a free agent, Silva’s name has once again been linked with the Blaugrana. At the same time, Italian giants Juventus are also keen on the versatile midfielder.

Juventus see Barcelona as a ‘major threat’

Now, according to Tuttosport (h/t Mundo Deportivo), there is a belief at Juventus that Barcelona still represent “a major threat” to the completion of the deal to sign Silva.

As such, securing fourth place in Serie A, and therefore qualification for the next edition of the UEFA Champions League, is seen as fundamental to neutralising the threat that the Blaugrana pose.

Bernardo Silva will be a free agent this summer. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Juventus, preparing for an active summer in the transfer market with the aim of returning to contention for major titles, initiated contact with the Portuguese international already.

Silva has taken a couple more weeks to decide on the next step in his career, taking into account Juventus’ strong interest.

However, in Turin, there is a sense that there is a real threat to the progress the Bianconeri have already made in the form of Barcelona.

Barcelona have held a magnetic attraction for Silva since he was a child, and according to reports in Spain, he still dreams of donning the Blaugrana shirt and is prepared to wait and see if an approach is made.

So, it remains to be seen whether Barça opt to make a move or if Silva ends up making progress in his talks with Juventus.

Other possibilities remain on the market for the Manchester City captain, including Major League Soccer and the Saudi Pro League, both financially attractive options