Bernardo Silva surprises everyone with a big transfer move after leaving Man City
Midfielder Bernardo Silva, who is leaving Manchester City, seems to have changed his mind after reports said he was close to joining Barcelona. Silva decided not to renew his contract with City, so he’ll leave the club when his deal ends in June, ending a nine-year chapter in Manchester.
The Portugal star, who will be part of Roberto Martinez’s 26-man World Cup squad, finishes his time at City as a club legend. He played 460 games, scored 76 goals, and made 77 assists. He helped City win plenty of trophies, including six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, a Champions League, and more.
Once his contract ends, Silva will be a free agent. Barcelona, the La Liga champions, are expected to be his next stop, although there have been talks about him possibly returning to his hometown club, Benfica. Recently, The Times shared that Silva was offered deals by Benfica and Atletico Madrid, but he apparently prefers Barcelona since his family lives in Catalonia.
Barcelona is said to be ready to pay Silva around £80,000 a week, which is less than what he earned at City, but that probably won’t affect his choice much. It was thought Silva would decide where to go before the World Cup starts on June 11, but now his agent, Jorge Mendes, says Silva wants to focus on the tournament first.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano posted on X on June 3: “Bernardo Silva changed plans and will decide his future after the World Cup. The initial plan was before the World Cup, but Silva understands nothing is done yet and now plans to focus on Portugal. ‘Bernardo will decide after the World Cup,’ agent Jorge Mendes tells me.”
Back in May, Silva himself said he still didn’t know where he’d play next season. “I don’t have anything finalised, and I don’t know where I’m going to play,” he said. “I have an idea of what I want to do. I’m talking with my agent, but I really don’t know yet.”
When asked about clubs in Saudi Arabia showing interest, he said, “I could answer, but it doesn’t make much sense from a negotiation point of view. I prefer not to answer… I know what’s going on, who wants me, and who might. Nothing is set yet, and there’s nothing on the table. I’m calm. I have good options, and I know my preferences. Whatever happens, it will be good.”