Manchester City playmaker’s agents in contact with Barcelona over summer move | OneFootball

Manchester City are undergoing something of rebuild under Pep Guardiola, following the exits of Kevin de Bruyne, Kyle Walker and Manuel Akanji. The next established veteran to depart could be Bernardo Silva.

The Portuguese star, now 31 years of age, has been a fixture for Guardiola over the years, and is now the captain of Manchester City. however this season he has struggled to produce the same standard of performances. Given his contract is up next summer, and his age, there is a suggestion that this season could be his last at Eastlands.

Barcelona in talks with Bernardo Silva’s agent

According to Caught Offside, one of the sides in talks with Silva’s agents, who are looking ahead to the future, is Barcelona. The Catalan giants have been heavily linked to Silva for some time, but after signing his current deal, talk did die down. At the height of the links, Xavi Hernandez was thought to be one of his biggest advocates, and did speak highly of Silva in public.

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Director of Football Deco is one of the voices that remains keen on Silva, and he would be looking for a free transfer at the end of the season when the Portuguese international’s deal expires.

Other interest in Bernardo Silva

Naturally, Barcelona are not the only side looking at such a decorated footballer. Saudi Arabian sides Al-Ahli, Al-Qadsiah and Al-Nassr are all willing to make a stint in the Middle East worthwile. They would also be willing to offer him a longer contract, with a four-year deal, a €575k per week deal and a large signing bonus being discussed.

His current deal is around €345k per week, but that figure would have to come down should Silva prefer a move to Juventus. The Bianconeri are also interested in him.

What could Silva bring to Barcelona?

For Barcelona, Silva would provide a veteran presence, leadership and plenty of experience, beyond his obvious technical ability. His versatility would also be an advantage, but there is a chance he would have to play a rotational role, with heavy competition in midfield. It is not yet clear whether Silva would be open to that, or whether the move would make sense for Barcelona financially if that is the case.