According to Mundo Deportivo, FC Barcelona recently sent an offer to sign Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva on loan, including an obligatory purchase option.
The proposed deal amounted to 58.1 million euros to secure the Portugal international’s services for the following summer. However, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City rejected the offer, expressing their desire to retain the talented midfielder.
Silva has become a prime target for FC Barcelona, as they look to potentially replace Ousmane Dembélé, who is expected to join PSG soon, though there have been some delays in finalizing the deal. Despite Manchester City’s stance on keeping Silva, the player himself is reportedly keen on the idea of playing at Camp Nou.
Although Manchester City declined the initial offer, Mundo Deportivo speculates that this might not be the end of FC Barcelona’s pursuit of the 28-year-old midfielder. There could be future attempts to secure his signature from FC Barcelona or other interested clubs.
“I don’t want any players who don’t want to be here but I’m an employee. I want to work with guys who want to stay and work with staff and players, but after we have to get a proper offer,” Guardiola explained.
“If we don’t get a proper offer, he’s our player and we want him. If they want him, they will take a plane and come here and talk to our sporting director and CEO to make an agreement because three parts have to be there.
For us to buy a player, just because we are Man City it is £10-15 million more expensive than other clubs all the time. If people want our really really important players, first they have to make an offer – and that hasn’t happened. When it happens, we will fight to extend the contract and be with us. That has happened with all of our players since day one.”
Replacing two key starters in Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez from a successful treble-winning team would be a costly undertaking, and as such, any potential sale of more valuable players would require substantial offers.
Silva’s importance to Manchester City cannot be overstated. Since joining the club from AS Monaco in 2017, he has become an integral part of Guardiola’s squad and has played a crucial role in the team’s success.
Silva has tactical adaptability, creativity, work rate, technical skills, big-game performances, leadership, and a team-oriented approach, which make him a player of immense importance to Manchester City’s success in both domestic and international competitions. Guardiola and the club recognize his value, which is why they are keen on keeping him despite interest from other clubs.
