Bernardo Silva is on the verge of Manchester City’s exit. The midfielder started his 2022-2023 season at City from the substitutes’ bench in London on Sunday, a decision which further heightened the rumors of his exit to Barcelona.
The latest development is that an agreement has been reached between suitors, Barcelona, and City for around €50-€60m.
“I’ve always said that I’m happy here but I have no idea what’s going to happen”, Bernado said via ESPN. “We’ll see, honestly. My relationship with the club is very honest. I’ve been open with them and they know what I want.”
He also added: “If I stay, I’m very happy and I will always respect this club and give all my best. If not, it’s football and we’ll just see what happens.”
The diminutive Portuguese midfielder is a fan favorite at The Etihad since his arrival from Monaco in the summer of 2017.
🇵🇹 Bernardo Silva career stats:
— 📲 SNS (@Sholynation1) August 10, 2022
👕 509 games
⚽ 91 goals
🎯 100 assists
🤝🏽 191 goal contributions
🏆 16 trophies
🎂 Happy Birthday to one of the best midfielder in the world, Bernardo Silva who turns 28 today. 🎉👏🏽 pic.twitter.com/zNuX1FDHGC
With Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus gone and ”adequately” replaced by Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland, an argument could be made that, at the moment, there is no ready made replacement for the Portuguese international.
Notwithstanding, City seem to have no issues with his potential departure, they do not want to keep players who are not happy and/or, want to leave. Ferran Torres was in a similar situation recently, and now, he represents FC Barcelona.
Meanwhile, defender Eric Garcia moved from Barcelona to City and then, returned to Camp Nou last summer. These recent transactions bode well for Silva, a deal should be completed sooner rather than later.
Will Bernado Silva be the latest player to be signed by Barcelona?
— Spreadex Sports (@SpreadexSport) August 3, 2022
Would a City squad without Sterling, Jesus and Silva be as strong as last season? #MCFC
Silva’s City Stats:
– Games 250
– Goals 48
– Assists 50 pic.twitter.com/ZdzFHGoD6o
City boss, Pep certainly has no illusions about the caliber of player Bernado is coupled with his impact on and off the pitch. But he is not one to be held hostage by player demands.
The coach had this to say concerning the transfer saga: “Sometimes for the club, sometimes for the players, sometimes for the agent, sometimes you have to divide our path. Especially the desire of the player is the most important thing. Of course, I would love Bernardo to continue here, he is a special player for us. But I don’t know what is going to happen.”
He added: “What happens will happen, and if he stays, it is perfect and in the end, if he has to leave, it is because football is like this; the player has a desire. I will not be a person to stop a desire for the people. When you are a football player it is so short, you don’t realize it, and it is nearly over. The player will have to talk to the club and I have never been involved in that.”
🗣️ “I don’t know what’s going to happen…” #ManCity boss Pep Guardiola refuses to rule out Bernando Silva leaving the club this summer. 🔵⤵️ pic.twitter.com/uswsYS6IbB
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 5, 2022
With Bernardo Silva now on the verge of City exit, The Citizens will act swiftly to replace the Portuguese footballer before the transfer window closes on September 1, 2022.
