In a recent interview with Caught offside, renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano offered an update on Barcelona and their pursuit of Manchester City star Bernardo Silva. Romano said,
“Joao Felix has no doubt raised some eyebrows with his comments about talking to Portuguese teammate Bernardo Silva about joining him at Barcelona. Felix has made it clear he’s convinced Bernardo to come to Barca, and that they’ve spoken about life in the city and places to live.
“Still, Felix also added an important point that it’s not down to the player for now. Even though what he said was a serious statement, but again, the crucial point is Financial Fair Play for this story: Barca still don’t know how much they can spend, how it will work, so we’re at really early stages of the story. For sure Joao is big friend of Bernardo and he’d love Bernardo to join him at the Nou Camp.
“Bernardo has been on Barcelona’s list for a long time – he was wanted by them last summer, but also by Paris Saint-Germain. At that time, Manchester City decided to extend his contract, but with a release clause, which is worth £50m and which is valid this summer. Interest from Barca has always been there, but let’s see what happens now with FFP, which will be crucial.
“So, the clause is there, and Felix would be happy to have his fellow countryman and friend alongside him, but let’s see what Barcelona will decide to do, and PSG as well, but for sure it looks like one to watch for this summer.”
Silva’s Impressive Numbers In English Football
Silva has done well to score nine goals and secure five assists in 39 appearances for Man City this season in multiple competitions. The Portugal international has been a consistent performer for Pep Guardiola’s side and deserves credit for averaging 1.1 shots, 2.0 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per game in the Premier League. He has also been accurate when distributing the ball in the opposition half based on his pass success rate of 89% in the English top tier (stats via whoscored).
What Should Barcelona Do With Regards To Silva?
Silva is a decent dribbler with the ball at his feet and can make a few energetic runs with the ball out on the flanks, He can strike the ball with power and accuracy from long range and has got the eye to set up some promising chances for his teammates on the offensive end of the field.
The Portuguese talent is primarily an attacking midfielder but can also fill in as a box-to-box midfielder or as a right-winger if asked to do so. We can expect Silva to add a lot of quality to Barcelona‘s frontline if the Catalan club can find a way to lure him to the Nou Camp this summer.
At 29, Silva is currently playing his prime and could help Barca challenge for some major honours in the future. Therefore, the Catalan giants would be wise to move in for him if they can generate enough funds to pull off such a transfer.
