In a recent tweet, renowned journalist Ekrem Konur revealed that Manchester City winger Bernardo Silva is nearing a switch to AC Milan amid interest from Barcelona this month. On Sunday, Le10Sport stated that the Catalans are still on the hunt for the Portuguese wide player but this recent development from Konur (if accurate) means that they are set to miss out on him during this summer transfer window.
🤝Bernardo Silva has agreed with #ACMilan on personal terms.
📞👥Conversations continue on financial terms between AC Milan and #ManchesterCity.
✍️Believes that both sides will reach an agreement.#ManCity | #MCFC | #SempreMilan
👇https://t.co/BwgPivr3jn pic.twitter.com/vkeo1thzbm— Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) August 24, 2021
Silva’s Successful Campaign In English Football
Silva experienced a successful season with the Mancunian outfit recently as he helped them lift the Premier League title earlier this year. The 27-year-old did well to register five goals and nine assists in 45 appearances for Man City in the previous campaign across multiple competitions.
The Portugal international caught the eye at both ends of the field based on his average of 1.0 tackles, 0.7 interceptions, 1.1 shots, 1.0 key passes and 1.6 dribbles per 90 minutes in the 2020-21 Premier League season. He even distributed the ball relatively well in the final third after making 91.8% of his attempted passes in the English first division (stats via whoscored).
Silva is currently functioning at a high level because he is enjoying the prime years of his playing career. Hence, it makes sense for the player to opt for a change of scenery as he is clearly not guaranteed regular game time at the Etihad Stadium this season following the arrival of Jack Grealish from Aston Villa earlier this summer.
Silva Nearing AC Milan Switch Amid Barca Interest: Big Blow For Koeman?
Silva is an exciting dribbler with the ball at his feet and can retain possession in tight spaces because of his low centre of gravity and excellent close control. He has a knack for creating some inviting openings for others around him in the final third and can strike the ball purely and with a lot of venom from long range.
The 59-time Portugal international has a great work ethic and can also be effective when protecting his teammates at the back. He is also a neat passer of the ball, so he could prove to be a wise signing for AC Milan this summer.
As far as Barca are concerned, there is no denying that it will be a massive blow for them to miss out on Silva as he would have added a lot of quality to Ronald Koeman’s first team. Realistically, the Catalan giants simply do not have the financial resources to bring the Portuguese talent to the Nou Camp this summer, so Koeman would be better off keeping his current players happy ahead of what is set to be a long and gruelling season for his side over the next 12 months.
