Barcelona could return with their interest in Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva, with Gerard Pique’s retirement opening an unlikely door for them.
As per SPORT, Barcelona are plotting a January swoop for Bernardo Silva after they failed to stump up the required sum for the player in the summer. The Portuguese playmaker has been an important player in Pep Guardiola’s project. And the reigning English champions are expected to block his move in the midst of the season.
Despite many murmurs in the summer, the 28-year-old remained at the Etihad and has played a pivotal role in keeping Manchester City relevant in the title race. Silva has been involved in every game in the Premier League so far. And alongside Kevin De Bruyne, he is one of Pep Guardiola’s trusted lieutenants whom he trusts blindly.
The Benfica academy product arrived in England in 2017. And except in the defensive setup, Silva has been deployed all over the place proving his versatility from time to time.
Former Manchester United defender Gerard Pique announced his retirement with immediate effect, and Barcelona will terminate his contract, which would free up a lot of wages at Spotify Camp Nou.
Pique’s decision also mean the Catalan giants can now afford at least one blockbuster signing in January. And a move for Bernardo Silva has been prioritised. Barcelona actively need a player who could energise their attacking output on the pitch, and the 28-year-old does have the trickery on his sleeve.
With Manchester City competing on all fronts currently, it will be a massive task for the Blaugrana to convince the English champions of sanctioning a sale. Barcelona manager Xavi is believed to be a fan of the Portuguese playmaker and will have a meeting with his club hierarchy to tap into the possibility of acquiring his services. City are also in talks to extend Silva’s deal.
Manchester City could demand an absurd fee to block Barcelona’s attempts. But the Catalan club could use their connection to sweeten a deal with Guardiola. Any possible departure will have to be supplemented aptly. And City will only sanction a departure if they are guaranteed a hefty compensation alongside the right kind of replacement in the stipulated time.
