Juventus told to sign Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva as cheaper alternative to Sandro Tonali | OneFootball

Former Juventus star Miralem Pjanić has suggested Juventus should consider signing Bernardo Silva if a move for Sandro Tonali proves financially out of reach next summer.

Juventus are currently facing a challenging situation as they continue to go through a transition phase both on and off the pitch. The club has started to develop a more distinct tactical identity under Luciano Spalletti but results have left them sixth in the Serie A standings, one point behind Como in fourth place.

Spalletti’s impact is already evident, especially in midfield, where Manuel Locatelli has adjusted well to the manager’s structured possession style. Juventus’ new system puts more emphasis on controlled build-up, positional discipline and direct transitions.

Still, there are questions about whether the current team has the depth, experience and leadership needed to consistently compete at the highest level.

What has Miralem Pjanic said about Juventus’ growth under Luciano Spalletti?

Former Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanić, who is working to become a qualified football agent in Dubai, believes recruitment will be central to the club’s next phase.

In a recent interview with Gazzetta, the 35-year-old has emphasised that Juventus must strengthen in several areas in the coming seasons.

Praising his former manager, Pjanic said: “In Rome, I was coached for six months by Luciano,” as quoted by Football Italia. “He’s a top manager. Spalletti has given the team a clear identity and the club now needs stability to start winning again.

“Spalletti is the right man to begin a new cycle but obviously, he’s not enough. At least three top-level signings will be needed, one for each department.”

How highly does Miralem Pjanic rate Bernardo Silva?

The discussion soon turned to midfield reinforcements for Juventus, especially focusing on Newcastle United Sandro Tonali, who was widely considered a long-term target. The Italy international has been linked with a potential return to Serie A in recent transfer speculation.

Pjanić, on the other hand, offered a different option if the financial demands for such a deal are too high. “Locatelli has adapted very well to Spalletti’s style of play – now he has to keep it up,” the former Bosnia and Herzegovina international added.

“However, in the summer, if they can’t afford Tonali – then I’ll go for Bernardo Silva. He’s the champion Juventus needs – quality, personality, experience and charisma. Bernardo makes you take the next step.”

Silva’s name has come up following reports that Juventus had started talking to him earlier this year in January. The Portugal international’s contract at Manchester City is set to expire in June, with Pep Guardiola having repeatedly praised his versatility, pressing intensity and tactical intelligence.

Pjanić sees Bernardo Silva not just as a signing but also as a catalyst – a player who can restore domestic authority for the Turin-based club and accelerate Juventus’ return to the very top of European football.