In a recent report, The Daily Mirror mentioned that Manchester City are looking to offload Bernardo Silva this summer. It is understood that the Mancunian giants are willing to let the Portugal international leave so that they can use the money generated from his sale to fund a move for Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane in this off-season (via The Daily Mirror).
Silva’s Excellent Numbers At The Etihad Stadium
It was another impressive season for Silva at Manchester as he was responsible for putting a run of influential displays as a key member of Pep Guardiola’s attack. The Lisboa-born talent made 45 appearances for Man City in the previous campaign, finding the back of the net on five occasions and providing nine assists across all competitions.
The Portuguese sensation kept himself busy at both ends of the pitch after he averaged 1.0 tackles, 0.7 interceptions, 1.1 shots, 1.0 key passes and 1.6 dribbles per game in the 2020-21 Premier League season. The 26-year-old even linked up play quite well with his teammates in the opposition half based on his pass success rate of 91.8% in the English top tier (stats via whoscored).
Silva is playing at the peak of his career right now, so he won’t be happy playing second-fiddle to someone else at the Etihad Stadium next season. Hence, he should think about switching clubs in search of regular first-team starts at the highest level.
Are Man City Making The Right Call With Regards To Silva?
Silva is a hard-working wide player who can complete some eye-catching dribbles in the opposition half. He has got a terrific left foot and can strike the ball with power and accuracy from long range. The Portuguese wing wizard has contributed by scoring or creating his fair share of goals for Man City. He can even get stuck in with a few tackles to help his teammates out at the back when needed.
Silva is currently struggling to compete with the likes of Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling for a place in Guardiola’s starting XI. At 26, he needs to ensure regular playing time if he wants to become a more productive winger over the next few years. Hence, it is only logical for both the player and the Mancunian club to part ways with each other this summer.
It seems like Guardiola is making the correct call by cashing in on the 59-time Portugal international so that he can fund a move for a marquee signing like Tottenham’s Harry Kane during this summer transfer window.
