Barcelona have been handed fresh encouragement in their long-running pursuit of Bernardo Silva, who told Manchester City of his exit plans ahead of the summer transfer window.
The move would bring the curtain down on Bernardo Silva’s glittering nine-year spell that delivered six Premier League titles, the Champions League and a total of 18 major trophies. He has scored 76 goals and registered 77 assists in 449 games for the Spanish giants.
According to CaughtOffside, talks over a contract extension were paused in recent months, and Silva, 31, now appears ready for a fresh challenge after becoming one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted lieutenants.
Amid the ongoing speculation concerning his future at the Etihad Stadium, the Portugal international, whose contract is entering its final phase, has hinted in an interview that life in England may not suit him long-term.
“I’m not saying I don’t like being here, but culturally, Manchester doesn’t match the ideal I have for my life. And sometimes I don’t feel happy,” Bernardo Silva said, according to AS.
“Before I met my wife, I was always on my own, I wasn’t feeling well and I often thought about leaving. Of course, it wasn’t because I didn’t like the team.
“But I never left, and I’m happy. I always joke that if City were based further south in Europe, I’d stay there forever.”
His remarks have reignited interest from Barcelona, who have monitored the playmaker for years. Yet the Catalan club are approaching the situation with caution.
The squad is already stacked in Silva’s preferred positions, particularly across attacking midfield and wide roles, prompting internal debate over whether a move should be prioritised.
Sporting director Deco is assessing the squad structure and is expected to delay any final decision on attacking reinforcements for the 2026/27 campaign.
Silva is not short of suitors. Clubs in the United States, Saudi Arabia and Galatasaray have tabled strong proposals, but the player and his agent Jorge Mendes are understood to have told Barcelona they are prepared to wait.
