Barcelona might struggle to sign long-time transfer target Bernardo Silva ahead of next season and might be forced to look at alternatives.
According to a report by Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona will find it difficult to sign Manchester City playmaker Bernardo Silva. The 28-year-old has been a long-term transfer target for the Catalan giants. But it seems next to impossible for them to land him at Camp Nou ahead of next season.
Barcelona are currently struggling with their finances. They have been under a financial crisis for a while and had to lose out on their biggest star, Lionel Messi, because of the woes. The Catalan giants desperately need funds to take care of the situation and might not be able to spend big in the summer.
Xavi has been a big admirer of Bernardo Silva and wants him in his squad. Barcelona have been interested in the Portugal international for almost two years now. But they have not managed to land him yet. While they wanted to sign him ahead of next season, a move looks unlikely.
Silva, who has been a part of Manchester City since the summer of 2017, wants to move away from the club. He is desperate to join Barcelona, but it looks next to impossible. Once again he might not be able to fulfil his desire of playing for the Catalan giants.
While Pep Guardiola will not stand in Silva’s way, he won’t let him leave on the cheap. Manchester City would only let him leave if they receive a fee close to €80 million. That is a fee which Barcelona cannot afford given their crisis.
They already have a great alternative in Ilkay Gundogan, who is Silva’s teammate at Manchester City. The 32-year-old will be out of contract in the summer. And, he is yet to pen down a new deal with the club. While he might be on the wrong side of 30, he is still performing at a very high.
Gundogan has made a total of 35 appearances in the ongoing season. And, the fact that he will be available for free in the summer will surely help Barcelona’s cause. However, the Catalan giants might even struggle to sign him. They will have to check on the Financial Fair Play regulations before they make a move. As a result, it will be interesting to see what happens with Xavi’s desire of signing a midfielder.
