Paris Saint-Germain hold ‘historic’ transfer interest in Manchester City midfielder expected to move this summer | OneFootball

Manchester City could yet face the possibility of losing one of their primary stars of the last decade to a direct European rival this summer, it has been reported.

The 31-year-old club captain has established himself as the heartbeat of Pep Guardiola’s squad since his arrival in 2017, amassing a staggering 19 trophies including six Premier League titles and the club’s only ever UEFA Champions League honour.

Most recently, Bernardo Silva further established his legendary status during City’s 2-0 Carabao Cup Final victory over Arsenal, but an ongoing structural rejuvenation project at the Etihad Stadium appears to be moving toward a conclusion without him.

With Sporting Director Hugo Viana now leading the club’s recruitment strategy, following his arrival at the club in 2025, the focus has shifted toward integrating younger, high-potential successors.

The end of the Bernardo Silva era

While the likes of Nico O’Reilly and Rayan Cherki have begun to absorb minutes in the creative-third, the void left by a player of Bernardo Silva’s tactical intelligence remains a significant concern for a squad still chasing a domestic double in the final weeks of the 2025/26 campaign.

According to a report from talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, sources close to Bernardo Silva have indicated that he will leave Manchester City on a free transfer at the end of the season, when his current Etihad Stadium contract expires.

It is reported that the 31-year-old favours a move to back his homeland, despite claims in Portugal suggesting that a switch to Benfica is off the table, while talkSPORT indicate Bernardo also has historic interest from Paris Saint-Germain.

Why Bernardo Silva may not move home to Lisbon

News that a return to Benfica is off the table stems from reports in A Bola suggesting the midfielder is not yet receptive to a return to the Portuguese division, instead seeking a multi-million contract on par with his current £300,000-per-week City agreement.

Such a financial package and commitment to the veteran is one that Paris Saint-Germain may be uniquely positioned to offer as they perhaps look to add experienced Champions League and top-level pedigree to their ranks.

Who else is in the race to sign Bernardo Silva?

While other European giants including Barcelona and Juventus remain in the race, historic interest from the Parc des Princes could prove telling if Bernardo Silva chooses to prioritise a high-level European project over a romantic return to Lisbon.

A move to the French capital would certainly allow the legendary Portuguese midfielder to continue competing at the highest level, while also securing the long-term financial security he reportedly desires before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.