Bernardo Silva agrees to join Barcelona
Karan Tejwani
- Updated: 1 Aug 2022 09:45 BST
- 3 min read
Barcelona have reached a full agreement with Bernardo Silva for the signing of the Portuguese player from Manchester City this summer, according to reports in Spain.
The Catalan club have targeted Silva as a replacement for Frenkie de Jong, should he leave the club, and have a deal with the player.
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Barcelona have long been interested in Silva, but it was made clear that a move would only be possible if De Jong left the club this summer, and the Dutchman has interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.
It’s believed that Silva is also open to the move, having been a fan of the club when he was younger and being eager to join Xavi’s project at the Camp Nou.
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Barcelona have already had a busy summer, having signed players like Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie.
It’s believed that they are still open for business, with the Chelsea duo of Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta targeted next, while they are also keeping tabs on Silva’s situation.
Bernardo Silva remains crucial to Manchester City. So smart and efficient in possession, tenacious without the ball. Wouldn't understand selling him this summer, especially in the context of the other big exits that were attuned to Pep Guardiola's demands.
— Melissa Reddy (@MelissaReddy_) July 30, 2022
The Manchester City attacker was one of the team’s best players last season, scoring 13 goals and providing seven assists, and it’s generally accepted that he is happy at the Etihad Stadium.
However, should Barcelona make a concrete offer and Silva is keen to join, the Premier League champions would not stand in the way of a move, as has often been the policy at Pep Guardiola’s side.
Barcelona need to sell players in order to register them under La Liga’s registration rules, but if they don’t in time for the season, they will activate a third economic lever that will see them generate some more immediate funds.
That may just help them find the €80 million required to sign Silva from Manchester City, a steep asking fee set by the Citizens.
