Man City boss Pep Guardiola has 'secret pact' with Bernardo Silva as Barcelona eye move
Although Guardiola and Barca keep things friendly, he may not take Bernardo's prospective exit lying down. When recently asked about the prospect of La Blaugrana swooping for the Portuguese, he smiled and admitted 'it would be difficult' for them. City are already burdened with having to recruit one new midfielder this summer due to the departure of Fernandinho. Rodri excelled at anchoring the midfield trio last campaign, so Guardiola and co may find it a tough sell convincing a top player to come in as the Spaniard's understudy. Whatever City do between now and the end of the summer is unlikely to top the signing of Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund. The 21-year-old has already notched a staggering 173 goals in senior football, and scored just shy of one goal per game throughout his time with BVB.
Pep Guardiola’s ‘promise’ to Bernardo Silva gives Barcelona major boost in transfer pursuit
With the possible departure of Frenkie de Jong looming large, Xavi Hernandez is scouring the market for an ideal replacement. Xavi rates de Jong very highly, and should the Dutchman leave the club this summer, he is expected to demand the signing of a midfielder, who can offer similar or better individual quality. To that end, the Barcelona manager has firmly set his sights on Bernardo Silva. Xavi rates the Manchester City starlet highly due to his ability to operate as an interior midfielder and offer creativity in the final third. Xavi believes Silva has what it takes to become an ideal midfield partner for Pedri. The two can develop an excellent combination in the middle of the park, with Sergio Busquets operating as the number six. However, the operation to sign Bernardo Silva is going to be difficult, with manager Pep Guardiola already issuing a warning to Barcelona earlier this week. But in a recent report from Mundo Deportivo, it has been revealed that Bernardo Silva has a “pact” with Guardiola, where the Man City manager will facilitate his exit if the club receives a reasonable offer for the midfielder. It serves as a massive boost for Barcelona in their pursuit of Bernardo Silva, though complexities surrounding the deal remains unresolved. Given the club’s financial crisis, it will be next to impossible for Barcelona to meet Man City’s demands for their revered playmaker. The two clubs have made initial contact, but the Catalans have yet to make an official offer for the midfielder. Man City’s exact demands for the player remain undisclosed, but the €55 million sale of Ferran Torres in January could be used as a reference. With two months still remaining before the new season begins, Barcelona do have ample time to fund the move by offloading their fringe players in the summer. But whether or not they will succeed in this pursuit remains to be seen.
Bernardo Silva refuses to commit to Man City as he addresses Barcelona transfer reports
Bernardo Silva brushed off a question about his links with a transfer to Barcelona after Portugal's latest Nations League win, but tellingly did not rule out a summer transfer away from Manchester City. Bernardo is one of three or four City players being touted with potential exits this summer, with competition in Pep Guardiola's attacking ranks increased with the impending arrivals of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez. Bernardo made no secret that he wanted to leave City last summer as he became homesick over the pandemic, even if he has insisted that stance has nothing to do with his love for the club. Barcelona are the latest club to be linked with Bernardo, especially if Frenkie de Jong leaves, but the latest reports suggest that City would demand a considerable transfer fee that may be out of reach of the cash-strapped Nou Camp side. READ MORE: Where City stand on Kalvin Phillips, left-back and exits as transfer window opens Speaking after an impressive role in Portugal's 2-0 Nations League win over Czech Republic, in which he assisted both goals, Bernardo was asked about the Barcelona links. While he did not endorse them, he left City hanging by suggesting a decision will be made on his future after the international fixtures have concluded. He said (via O Jogo ): "Unfortunately, I won't be able to answer, because I'm at the service of the national team and super focused on the game that remains. When the season ends, we'll see what happens." Guardiola was asked about the chances of Bernardo joining Barca last week, suggesting that he would be well out of their financial capabilities even if they wanted to make a move. With a smile, he answered a question about Bernardo joining Barcelona by simply replying: “They will have a difficult time.”
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