Manchester City just won their fourth consecutive Premier League title and still have one match left to play in the 2023-24 campaign, but it appears one of the club’s top players is already on his way out.
Bernardo Silva could be leaving Manchester City
According to Football Insider, Bernardo Silva is ready for a new challenge and hopes to leave Manchester City this summer.
Silva signed a three-year contract extension last summer that runs through 2026. The extension came with a £50million release clause that Manchester City will reportedly hold out for before authorizing a transfer to another club.
The Portugal international has made 48 appearances across all competitions this season for the blue and white, starting 42 matches while registering 11 goals and 10 assists.
Where could Silva go?
There are a couple of clubs that could sign the 29-year-old. Paris Saint-Germain is a top target as they look to rebuild after Kylian Mbappe’s departure. PSG manager Luis Enrique is said to think highly of Silva and feels we will continue to be among the game’s top players for the foreseeable future.
FC Barcelona could also be a target. They are said to be longtime fans of Silva and would allow the Portugal international to be closer to his home nation. However, the club has been dealing with financial hardships recently and would be unlikely able to muster the full £50 million needed to fulfill the release clause.
A move to Al Nassr could be plausible, reuniting Silva with fellow countryman Christiano Ronaldo. The Saudi club certainly has the funds to acquire the 29-year-old’s services, but Silva may not be keen on making the move to the Saudi Pro League.
Who replaces Silva?
Silva’s skill set will be challenging to replace, but Manchester City has a couple of options. Internally, they could have reigning Premier League Player of the Year Phil Foden take over Silva’s role on the pitch. Externally, the blue and white could look at a transfer like Lucas Paqueta, assuming Paqueta’s FA charges get cleared, as a potential replacement.
Time will tell if Silva leaves Manchester City this summer, but all signs are pointing to Saturday’s FA Cup final being the final time the 29-year-old wears the blue and white.