Atletico Madrid pull ahead of ‘surprised’ Barcelona in race for Bernardo Silva | OneFootball

Manchester City star Bernardo Silva has just three weeks remaining on his contract, and while his next destination has been narrowed down, it is still not clear where he will be playing next season. It does appear likely he will reappear in La Liga.

Originally Atletico Madrid and Juventus were the two sides most strongly linked to him, but Bernardo Silva’s long-standing desire to join Barcelona and agent Jorge Mendes’ close relationship with the Catalan club appeared to have shifted things in their favour. It has also been floated in Spain that Jose Mourinho would be open to bringing Silva to Real Madrid on his arrival.

Atletico Madrid in pole position for Bernardo Silva

As reported by Marca, Atletico Madrid are currently closest to getting a deal done for the Portugal international. He has postponed his final decision until after the World Cup, but Los Colchoneros are pushing hardest to get a deal done. Their offer is larger than Barcelona’s, and Sporting Director Mateu Alemany has explained that he would have a key role in the side, and would be a leader.

Atletico see Silva as their Antoine Griezmann replacement, and Diario AS add that while a deal was almost done with Barcelona, he is now having doubts about that move.

Barcelona surprised by Silva comments

During a recent mix zone interview after a friendly with Portugal, Silva commented that “Barca is an option I have, but I haven’t made a decision yet. I’m going to look for a team where they want me,” as recounted by MD. They continue on to say that his comments have been met with surprise.

They had always been clear with Silva that he would not have a key role, and that Silva’s desire to play for Barcelona was a key reason they had considered a move. Sport add that the delays over his decision and his recent comments have provoked a distancing between the Catalan club and Silva.