In a recent report, Mundo Deportivo mentioned that Manchester City winger Bernardo Silva is gathering interest from Spain as both Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are eyeing a move to recruit him this summer. It is believed that the Mancunian giants could look to sell the Portugal international so that they can boost their finances in this off-season (via Mundo Deportivo).
Silva’s Impressive Form At Manchester Last Season
The 26-year-old is one of the hardest-working players in Pep Guardiola’s squad and once again proved his worth as a valuable contributor at the Etihad Stadium by putting in some influential displays over the course of the previous campaign. Silva was involved in 45 matches for the Mancunian giants last season, registering five goals and nine assists for them across all fronts.
The ex-Benfica sensation managed to contribute in a lot of little ways as he averaged 1.0 tackles, 0.7 interceptions, 1.1 shots, 1.0 key passes and 1.6 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He even distributed the ball with plenty of conviction after completing 91.8% of his attempted passes in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
Silva’s current deal at Man City is set to run out in the summer of 2025, so Guardiola should be under no rush to sell the Portuguese playmaker during this summer transfer period. However, the arrival of Jack Grealish from Aston Villa could limit the Portuguese talent’s game time in the upcoming campaign.
Should Man City Cash In On Silva This Summer?
Silva is a quick and agile winger who can work his socks off for his team in the opposition half. He can lead the press quite well in midfield and is proficient at completing some encouraging dribbles in the final third. Silva excels at making a few clever turns in and around the opponent’s penalty box.
However, there is no denying that the goals dried up for the experienced Portugal international last season as he was often unleased as a central midfielder by Guardiola in order to cope with injuries and fixture congestion. Even then, Silva remains a great playmaker as he can unlock the opponent’s defence with a killer pass up top.
The Lisboa-born sensation’s exit could leave a hole in Guardiola’s match-day squad which someone like Grealish can fill. Therefore, it is only fair to the player if Man City allowed their prized asset to leave in search of a fresh adventure away from English football.
At 26, Silva is enjoying the peak years of his playing career at the moment. However, the Mancunian outfit’s need to balance their finances could see them cash in on the Portuguese wing wizard before the transfer window slams shut at the end of this month.
