Manchester City could demand around €80 million for Bernardo Silva in the summer, with Barcelona keen on the Portuguese international.
According to SPORT, Barcelona may have to pay €80 million to sign Bernardo Silva in the summer. Manchester City would open the doors for the Portuguese international to depart if they receive offers close to their asking price.
Bernardo Silva continues with impressive performances as Manchester City fight for the Premier League and Champions League crowns. The midfielder’s influence in Pep Guardiola’s side is often understated. Guardiola has used him in different positions, and he has even featured as a left-back this season.
His versatility and consistency show his importance in the team. While he continues to give his best for the team, this might be Silva’s last season at Manchester City. The club stood firm last season and convinced the midfielder to stay put despite interest from elsewhere. But they might lose him this summer.
Guardiola tends to reflect the club’s principles and has repeatedly suggested players are free to leave if the correct offer arrives. The same applies to Silva, as Manchester City won’t stand in the way if they receive €80 million for his sale.
Barcelona were interested and has maintained contact with the midfielder’s entourage. Xavi Hernandez wanted him last summer. But with the Blaugrana focusing on other areas, they did not have the financial backing to conclude a deal.
If Manchester City demands €80 million, Barcelona will find it difficult to sign the player due to financial troubles. If they intend on the player, a few sales might materialise to raise money for the Portuguese international.
Silva was open to a move last summer and remains keen to play at Camp Nou with Barcelona. He is eager for a new challenge after a successful sting at Manchester City. However, he will know the €80 million demanded by Manchester City would put the brakes on any possible transfer to the Catalan giants.
Even so, he could entertain proposals from elsewhere, with PSG one of the clubs keen. The Parisians also wanted the midfielder last summer but probably entered the chase very late in the window. Meanwhile, there is also reported interest from Real Madrid, meaning Silva will have plenty of high-profile options.
Manchester City hope the chapter with Silva does not end in the summer, as they might also see Ilkay Gundogan leaving. Those two will considerably weaken Manchester City’s midfield, but the club will look into the market for viable replacements.
Barcelona’s chances of signing Silva in the face of Manchester City’s €80 million demand may seem difficult. They might try negotiating with the Premier League champions. But the English champions have always remained tight on their player evaluations.