Manchester City captain doing everything possible to secure Barcelona transfer | OneFootball

As the summer transfer window looms, it appears as if there could be another saga involving FC Barcelona and Manchester City midfield ace Bernardo Silva.

In recent seasons, Barça repeatedly approached both the player and Manchester City in search of a formula that would allow the Portuguese playmaker to leave Pep Guardiola’s side and fulfil his long-standing ambition of playing in La Liga with the Catalans.

Those efforts consistently ended in failure, whether due to Guardiola’s reluctance to let his midfielder leave or Barça’s financial limitations. Now, however, Silva will be available for free from 30 June, when his current contract at the Etihad expires.

Silva pushing for Barcelona transfer

And, according to SPORT, Silva himself is doing everything possible to join Barcelona ahead of next season.

In addition to being available on a free transfer, he has a powerful ally: his agent Jorge Mendes, who has a great relationship with Barça president Joan Laporta.

Mendes believes that Silva has more than enough qualities to play an important role in Hansi Flick’s project. His versatility, technical ability and strong physical condition, despite his age, support the idea that he could act as an impact player capable of changing matches.

Additionally, his presence would provide a natural alternative to Pedri, helping to reduce the heavy workload the midfielder has carried in recent seasons.

Barcelona have doubts

Bernardo wants Barcelona transfer. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

However, despite this, Silva’s potential arrival at Barcelona is far from certain. Two initial concerns have emerged within the coaching staff and the sporting department.

For starters, the Man City captain will turn 32 in August. Beyond that, his best performances typically come when operating just behind the forwards or drifting to the right wing, as seen in Guardiola’s system – positions which the Catalans are not looking to strengthen.

Discussions are ongoing and proposals are already on the table. Communication remains fluid, which is unsurprising given that all parties involved are well acquainted.

However, sporting director Deco has indicated that he still requires more time to finalise what are expected to be significant moves in Barcelona’s attacking structure for the 2026/27 season.

Silva has received significant offers from the United States, Saudi Arabia and Galatasaray. However, he and Mendes have already communicated to Barcelona that they are prepared to be patient.

A move to the Spotify Camp Nou remains their priority, and they are willing to wait for Deco and Flick to define the club’s summer priorities