According to a report from Manchester Evening News, Manchester City ace Bernardo Silva downplayed the possibility of joining the Saudi Pro League but declined to comment on the chance of transferring to Barcelona. Despite signing a fresh contract at the Etihad last summer, the 29-year-old has remained open to options in recent transfer windows and has expressed his desire to seek new challenges in the future.
During the previous summer, there was interest from Saudi Arabian clubs, and Paris Saint-Germain also expressed a desire to acquire the Portuguese midfielder. However, Barcelona has been the club most frequently linked with a potential move for him.
Silva’s Impressive Run Of Form For Manchester City So Far This Season
Recently, Bernardo Silva has showcased remarkable form at the Etihad Stadium, consistently delivering standout displays in away games. The talented Portuguese player has impressed with four goals and three assists in nineteen appearances for Manchester City this season across various competitions.
Hailing from Lisbon, Silva has reaffirmed his value as a top-tier player, maintaining an average of 1.9 tackles, 0.3 interceptions, 0.9 shots, 2.0 key passes, and 1.0 dribbles per 90 minutes in Premier League action. Additionally, his passing accuracy stands out, boasting an impressive 89.9% completion rate in top-flight football (statistics obtained from whoscored).
Will He Chose To Exit The Etihad Stadium Next Summer?
Bernardo Silva’s recently established £50 million release clause presents Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, with a challenging decision regarding the need for a replacement for the immensely talented midfielder.
Should Silva depart from City, it would unquestionably signify a substantial loss for the Etihad club. Within Pep Guardiola’s midfield setup, the Portuguese midfielder has served as a crucial element, providing a unique blend of creativity, industriousness, and adaptability that is exceedingly difficult to replicate.
While Silva remains an integral asset to the team, Guardiola might have to consider the potential activation of the release clause by interested parties, particularly given Silva’s outstanding performances and adaptability.
Nevertheless, it appears highly likely that the departure of the Man City standout will occur next summer, as £50 million in this inflated market seems insufficient for a player of Bernardo Silva’s caliber. Additionally, the Portugal international has shown considerable openness to pursuing a new challenge for some time now which might not be in the Saudi Pro League but elsewhere within Europe.
