Bernardo Silva might stay put at Manchester City this summer, as there’s a huge possibility for the Portuguese midfielder to leave on a free in 2026.
According to Football Insider, Bernardo Silva could leave Manchester City on a free transfer next summer. The Portuguese midfielder has fended off speculation surrounding his future for a few summer windows now, but Pep Guardiola’s decision to hand him the captaincy could pave the way for another season at the Etihad.
Manchester City are eager not to repeat the scenario of the past season, when they ended up making many fatal errors. Pep Guardiola is aware of the needs of the squad and hence was instrumental in deciding against offering former star Kevin De Bruyne a new deal, given the Belgian’s recent injury issues.
Bernardo Silva’s case is very different from the Belgian, as the midfielder has stayed fit and been instrumental in how Guardiola likes his team to play. Hence, the manager’s decision to hand Silva the captain’s armband was unsurprising, and one that could pave the way for the Portuguese star to stay another season at the very least.
There have been some loose links to Real Madrid of late, following claims in the media that Xabi Alonso wanted to sign a new deep-lying midfielder. The Manchester City veteran is set for a stay as things stand, and focuses on the season ahead instead.
The midfielder has been angling to leave the Etihad for at least two summers now, and it appears he might wait on. He has had interest from some high-profile clubs, including Al-Hilal from Saudi Arabia, while others like Galatasaray have also kept tabs on his situation.
Bernardo Silva to leave as a free agent
The report emphasises that agent Jorge Mendes could have already held talks with several clubs over a free transfer for Silva next summer. Manchester City are not keen to sell him this year, even though the Portuguese star’s contract ends in 2026.
The story also states there’s a possibility of Manchester City offering Silva a new deal. Should the midfielder face the same scenario as former teammate De Bruyne and a new deal does not arrive, he will leave on a free transfer, as there will be a host of clubs eager to lure him in.