After responding to recent Barcelona transfer rumors, Bernardo Silva has refused to guarantee his future to Manchester City beyond this summer.
After an outstanding season with the Premier League champions, the Portuguese is one of the candidates on the Spanish giants’ wish list this summer. However, given Barcelona’s financial condition and his projected £85 million (€100 million) price tag, it’s unclear how they’d be able to finance the City star even if Manchester United’s Frenkie de Jong left.
After the approaching additions of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez, Bernardo will have competition for positions next season, which could explain why he wants to leave the Etihad this summer. He was questioned how much a move to the Catalan club appeals to him after playing an important role and assisting twice in Portugal’s 2-0 Nations League win against Czech Republic.
O Jogo quoted the 27-year-old as saying: “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to respond because I’m currently serving as a member of the national team and am completely focused on the remaining game. We’ll see what happens at the end of the season.”
Last week, when questioned about a possible move to Camp Nou, Pep Guardiola simply said: “They would have a difficult time [signing Bernardo].”
The Spanish coach is a huge fan of the player, stating in 2017: “We don’t know if a player will work out until we sign him, but I believe we did the right thing. He’s not going anywhere as long as I’m a coach at Manchester City.
“What can I say about myself as a person? Working with good individuals is always a pleasure for me, and he is one of them. He has a fantastic rapport with his teammates, coaching staff, and everyone else. Bernardo Silva is the most qualified person in that [regard].
After the triumph on Thursday night, Portugal coach Fernando Bernardo praised his players’ abilities, saying, “Bernardo, for me, is among the top-10 finest players in the world.”
Bernardo is entering his fifth season with the Citizens and has made over 250 appearances in a City shirt.
