Pep Guardiola: I will be delighted if Bernardo Silva stays at Manchester City | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has made his feelings clear on the future of Bernardo Silva, with the Portugal international’s contract expiring next summer.

Despite being such a central figure of Guardiola’s tenure and a period marked by unprecedented success, the midfielder continues to be linked with exits, including a return to Benfica, as well as long-standing interest from Saudi Arabia.

City are fast approaching a crucial stage in contract discussions, or lack thereof, with Fabrizio Romano recently insisting that there are currently no advanced negotiations regarding a renewal, and there is a ‘serious possibility’ Silva leaves on a free transfer in 2026.

Such claims have accelerated speculation among Manchester City supporters, who remain hopeful that the Portuguese star may yet decide to commit his twilight years to the Etihad Stadium and extend his reign as club captain.

Speaking in his own press conference opportunity at the end of September, Bernardo Silva told reporters in a clear hint on his future, “I know exactly what I’m going to do but it’s not time to talk. It’s time to focus at Man City, to try to do my best to put the club back where it belongs.

“Regarding my contract, I’m really focussed on doing a proper season, as well as possible to perform and bring back the team and club to the level it deserves to be.”

Bernardo Silva’s importance cannot be overstated off the back of being named captain for the 2025/26 season, taking on a leading role both in tactical execution and dressing-room influence.

With Kevin De Bruyne departing in the summer and a new wave of midfielders emerging, Silva has become the bridge between eras and the experienced figure Pep Guardiola leans on during difficult stretches.

Speaking ahead of Manchester City’s meeting with Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, Guardiola was quizzed on the future of club captain Bernardo Silva beyond his current contractual expiry date of summer 2026.

“I want the best for Bernardo, and if he wants to stay I will be more than delighted and happy,” the Catalan insisted of the Portugal international.

He continued, “But I don’t talk about that subject with him, and always I want the best for his family.

“Of course he has already been nine years here, and at the end he will decide with the club what is the best.”

Pep Guardiola’s comments reinforce a recurring theme that the most influential of figures and their next moves will be decided on his own terms. While the club would clearly welcome an extension, the door remains open for the 31-year-old to pursue challenges elsewhere.

With Saudi Arabian clubs having also made significant overtures in recent years – including a £500,000-per-week package – the midfielder is likely to attract significant offers if he allows his deal to wind down.

For Manchester City, the coming months will be about balance in respecting the wishes of a club legend while preparing contingencies should he choose to move on. For now, Silva remains central to plans and a leader within the squad for another intense campaign.