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Benfica Target January Deal for Bernardo Silva Return

Noronha Lopes’ Plan for Benfica’s Future

Benfica presidential candidate João Noronha Lopes has made clear his ambition to bring Bernardo Silva back to Lisbon, with Record reporting that a contract is already prepared and ready to be signed as early as 1 January. The 31-year-old midfielder is under contract with Manchester City until June 2026 but will be able to negotiate freely with any club from the start of the new year.

Picture:IMAGO

There are two possible scenarios. Either Manchester City agree to release Bernardo in January, allowing Benfica to pay a transfer fee, or the deal waits until next summer when he would return on a free. Record report that Noronha Lopes and his team are “well advanced” in talks with the player, underlining the serious intent behind this move.

Bernardo Silva’s Longstanding Connection to Benfica

Noronha Lopes views Bernardo as the marquee signing who could become the face of a new era at the Estádio da Luz. Their personal relationship has been evident in recent years, with the pair pictured together alongside Nuno Gomes during the 2022 NOS Alive festival. Bernardo was outspoken about the club’s direction in 2020, criticising the management of then-president Luís Filipe Vieira, and has frequently spoken about his dream of returning to Benfica.

In a 2023 interview with Record, Bernardo said: “I think about it every year. It has always been a goal. I did not fulfil my dream of playing for Benfica when I was 19 or 20, but I still want to achieve it.” He even admitted he “would not have voted for Rui Costa” during the 2021 elections, though he praised the current president’s work since taking office.

Manchester City’s Role in the Decision

For now, Bernardo remains focused on Manchester City and Pep Guardiola’s plans, with a huge match against Manchester United this weekend. City’s stance will be critical in determining whether a January switch is realistic or whether Benfica must wait until next summer.

Photo: IMAGO

Guardiola has often spoken of Bernardo’s importance to City’s midfield structure, and losing him mid-season could be a major blow. Yet the lure of returning home, combined with a project that seeks to make him the centrepiece of Benfica’s sporting project, could be persuasive.

Photo IMAGO

Benfica’s Strategic Ambition

This move signals more than just sentiment. For Benfica, bringing back a world-class player developed in their own academy would be a statement of ambition to their supporters and rivals alike. Noronha Lopes appears keen to make this a centrepiece of his campaign and, potentially, his presidency.

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Bernardo Silva has been one of the most important players under Pep Guardiola, offering creativity, technical brilliance and tireless work rate. Losing him, particularly mid-season, would leave a huge gap in City’s midfield and potentially disrupt the balance of the team as they push for another Premier League title and a deep Champions League run.

At the same time, there is something admirable about Bernardo wanting to return home and fulfil a dream. Benfica fans adore him, and his connection to the club has always been strong. If he does leave, most City supporters will respect the decision, but it would be vital for the club to have a replacement lined up, someone who can replicate Bernardo’s unique blend of pressing, passing and composure.

The hope among City fans is that the club can convince him to stay at least until the summer, giving Guardiola time to plan properly. If a January exit is inevitable, City must act quickly to ensure their title charge is not derailed. Bernardo Silva has been the heartbeat of this side, and replacing him will be one of the toughest tasks of Guardiola’s tenure.