Manchester City Ace More Likely To Exit Next Summer: Will Guardiola Have To Find A Replacement?

Bernardo Silva, the midfield ace from Manchester City, has become an enticing acquisition option due to his newly inked contract that incorporates a release clause. According to Fabrizio Romano, the coveted Man City star can now be secured by his next club for a mere £50 million. This opportunity arose following Silva’s recent contract extension at the Etihad Stadium, ensuring his stay in Manchester until 2026. This opportunity was further highlighted by his weekend goal against West Ham United.

Bernardo Silva’s Remarkable Displays at the Etihad Stadium

Bernardo Silva has been on exceptional form at the Etihad Stadium recently, consistently delivering standout performances in away games. The skilled Portuguese player has notched one goal and provided an assist in his five appearances for Manchester City this season, spanning various competitions.

Hailing from Lisbon, Silva has underlined his worth as a high-quality player by maintaining an average of 0.8 tackles, 0.5 interceptions, 0.3 shots, 2.0 key passes, and 0.5 dribbles per 90 minutes of Premier League action. Furthermore, he has demonstrated precision in his passing, boasting an impressive 92% pass completion rate in top-flight football (statistics sourced from whoscored).

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Bernardo Silva of Manchester City celebrates after scoring their sides second goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester City at London Stadium on September 16, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Will Manchester City Boss Pep Guardiola Have To Find A Replacement?

With Bernardo Silva’s newly established £50 million release clause, Manchester City’s manager Pep Guardiola faces a complex decision on whether to seek a replacement for the gifted midfielder.

Silva’s departure from Manchester City would undoubtedly constitute a significant loss for the club. The Portuguese midfielder has been a linchpin in Pep Guardiola’s midfield setup, offering a unique blend of creativity, work rate, and versatility that is hard to replace.

Silva remains a vital asset to the team, Guardiola might contemplate the prospect of potential suitors activating the release clause, particularly given his impressive performances and versatility.

The decision to replace Bernardo Silva would hinge on various factors, including the player’s willingness to depart, the club’s assessment of internal options, and the ability to secure a suitable replacement who fits seamlessly into Guardiola’s tactical framework. Nonetheless, it doesn’t change the fact that the Man City ace’s departure is very likely to happen next summer as £50m in this inflated market is nothing for a player for Bernando Silva’s quality.