Bernardo Silva's astounding £75 million-a-year offer to leave Manchester City for Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Pro League has been making major moves in the summer transfer window, with wantaway City star Bernardo Silva the latest target.
If Manchester City is to keep Bernardo Silva this summer, they will have to fend off mega-money demand from Saudi Arabia.
After winning the Champions League, the treble winner has been linked with a move away, with Barcelona still in the running. That is a move the Portuguese star had planned to make in prior summers, but it never materialized. Al Hilal of the Saudi Pro League, on the other hand, is poised to outbid all other bidders.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo's Portugal teammate, is already playing club football in Saudi Arabia, and Ruben Neves is on the verge of doing the same. With a rumored £75 million per year on the table, the reigning Premier League winner will have to make a decision.
According to The Mail, Al Hilal has the financial means to pay Bernardo up to £75 million every season if they so desire. This would be in addition to a huge transfer price, with Pep Guardiola's side demanding £70 million to allow one of their most important players leave.
As he prepares to depart England, the 28-year-old has also been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain. Meanwhile, Barcelona's interest will be determined by their financial status.
Barcelona is said to need to sell before they can buy. They are ready to accept Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer, but signings for a cost - especially a large sum - are considerably more difficult.
Al Hilal finished third in the Saudi Pro League previous season, despite a transfer restriction, as Riyadh rivals Al Nassr signed Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the restriction has been lifted, and they are attempting to make huge moves ahead of the new season, thanks to additional funding from the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Neves will be their first signing, with a deal for £47 million completed. They also tried to sign Lionel Messi, but the World Cup champion chose to join Inter Miami.
Al Hilal are also without a manager, and rumours indicate that they are willing to look for one in the Premier League. According to i News, Fulham manager Marco Silva has received a substantial offer from the club as he enters the final year of his contract at Craven Cottage.
If Bernardo Silva does join Al Hilal, it will be the latest signing in what appears to be a productive summer for Manchester City. The departure of captain Gundogan has already left them prepared for more recruits, and this could add to that need.
Mateo Kovacic is on his way to the Etihad Stadium, with the Chelsea midfielder on the verge of sealing a deal worth £25 million plus add-ons. City are also still interested in Declan Rice, and are willing to compete with Arsenal for the £100 million-rated England midfielder.
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