Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has stated that he believes Bernardo Silva would stay with the club beyond this summer transfer window.
Bernardo Silva still has three years left in his contract with Manchester City but Barcelona have made him one of their top transfer targets.
However, the financial problem at Barça is a major roadblock in the deal, with City set to demand a large amount for a player who is among the best in his position and has three years left on his contract.
With the two teams fighting to secure the player’s services, it was announced on Monday that they will meet in a charity friendly at Camp Nou later in August.
In a press conference recently, Pep Guardiola confirmed that Manchester City would bring all the club’s top players to Spain for the charity game.
“We will bring all our top players to Barcelona,” Guardiola said. “Even Bernardo?” Barcelona president Joan Laporta replied with a smile on his face, to which Guardiola responded: “Bernardo Silva and ten more!”
Later, Guardiola was asked to talk about the issue of Bernardo Silva and Barcelona. “I think Bernardo Silva will stay with us, that’s my feeling as of today,” he said. “We don’t know what will happen in the transfer window and we have always said that we want players that want to be in our club. But we really appreciate Bernardo and count on him for next season.”
The Portuguese midfielder has already refused to say no to a move away from Manchester City. Bernardo Silva joined Manchester City from Monaco in 2017 but wanted a move away from the club last season which didn’t work out.
The 27-year-old said that he was unhappy and feeling alone in England because his family members were staying in Spain. He added that the situation has affected his form on the pitch. “I talked with the club because I wasn’t happy with my life here, and I wanted to be closer to my family. But [wanting to leave] had nothing to do with the club. I love Manchester City. I love my teammates, I love the fans,” Silva said.
But even then, he admitted his future at the club would be discussed later. “At the end of the season, I’m going to sit down with City and see what’s best for both sides.” He added.
Bernardo Silva has been a major addition to the Pep Guardiola squad since he joined them from Monaco. He has scored 48 goals and provided 51 assists in 251 games in all competitions for the Premier League club.
