Barcelonahave been heavily linked with a number of high-profile targets this summer including Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Marcos Alonso,and Cesar Azpilicueta, as Xavi Hernandez’s sideis outto bolster their squad in time for the new season to begin.
AsDutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong looks set for a Camp Nou exit, the Blaugranahave set their eyes on Manchester City‘s want-away playerBernardo Silva. However,the latest rumors say the Sky Blues will want a high transfer price, which the Catalansmay find difficult to afford.
With the imminent signings of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez in Pep Guardiola’s offensive ranks, the Portugueseis one of the several City players who have been linked with a summer departure. The 27-year-old playmaker was open about his desire to leave the Premier League last season,because of the pandemic, even if he has stated that his decision was not motivated by his love for the club.
How Barcelona could get lending hand from Pep Guardiola
According to reports, Pep Guardiola and Bernardo Silva have a secret agreement that would enable the Portuguese star to depart the club this summer. It is claimed by Catalan newspaperMundo Deportivothat the Citizens’managerhas given the midfielder permission to leave the club, provided that an acceptable bid is made.
The report adds that in the event that Barcelona split company with Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong, Xavi Hernandez considers Silva a ‘priority’ acquisition. The 27-year-old has spent five seasons in England and is thought to have a ‘want to change‘ despite having his finest season to date.
Any chance Bernardo has of joining Barca depends on that trade going through, and even then the money might make it impossible to accomplish. But the agreement seems to leave the door open for the Spanish sidewith whom Guardiola has a long-standing friendship, having served as manager for four years and 17 years as a player through all the youth academies.
Barcelona signed highly-rated teenager Ferran Torres from Manchester City in January 2022, with the 51-year-old seldom standing in the way of a player’s exit. Even when on international duty this week, Bernardo refused to deny the possibility of a move away from the club.
What Bernardo Silva thinks of Barcelona rumors
The recent Barca linksprompted Bernardo Silva to give an update on his futureon Thursday: “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.”
see also
Barcelona: Xavi would have a plan B in case of failure to sign Marcos Alonso
