Manchester City star Bernardo Silva has agreed on personal terms with Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.
According to The Times, Spanish giants Barcelona have been dealt a major blow, with Manchester City star Bernardo Silva agreeing on personal terms with Paris Saint-Germain.
The Portuguese international has been a key cog in Pep Guardiola’s side and has often turned the tide in the Premier League champions’ favour. The current summer has been one of change at the Etihad, and the 28-year-old could be the highest profile star yet to call it quits.
Barcelona have been long-term admirers of Silva, and have been after him all summer. However, the Blaugrana’s financial issues are well documented, and they are yet to make a concrete move that has caught Manchester City’s fancy. This has allowed PSG to wade into the transfer battle and make their move.
The Parisians have had an initial bid of £59 million turned down by Manchester City but could yet be handed hope in their pursuit. This is because the midfielder has already agreed to personal terms regarding a move to the Parc des Princes. PSG have for all their domestic success, fallen short of glory on the European stage.
Their attacking trio of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi are firing on all cylinders, but the midfield could do with an addition or two. Marco Verratti and Vitinha have so far held the fort in the middle of the pitch, but the duo lack Silva’s prowess in carrying the ball forward. Adding him to the roster will give Christophe Galtier’s side a new dimension in midfield.
With his contract at the Etihad running until 2025, Manchester City hold the aces in negotiations. The Premier League champions, for all their financial muscle, have been as effective as PSG on the continental stage. There appears to be an unwillingness to strengthen a direct rival by sanctioning the move. This explains why PSG’s rather generous offer was turned down.
Silva, for his part, is keen on a new challenge and rejected improved terms from Manchester City last season. With Silva open to moving to the French capital, the onus is now on Manchester City to hold firm or waver under pressure. Whether they will be open to selling the 28-year-old to Barcelona should it come up, remains to be seen.
Barcelona have been unsuccessful in their efforts to sell Frenkie de Jong this season. With an injury-hit Liverpool now entering the fray, it will make for an interesting last week in the summer transfer window. The Dutchman potentially moving to Anfield could set off a domino effect that ends with Silva maybe ending up at PSG or Barcelona.
Strange, I’ve just watched Guardiola’s pre match presser and he said Silva is definitely staying at City and they haven’t had a bid for him from anyone.