Bernardo Silva to Barcelona moves into next phase after promise made
FT Desk
- 10 Aug 2022 10:42 BST
- 3 min read
Bernardo Silva's transfer from Manchester City to Barcelona looks to be drawing closer with the Spanish club pushing hard to complete his transfer.
Barcelona have already dropped more than €160 million on acquiring Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde this summer, but Bernardo would cost more than any one of them if Barca are to persuade City to sell.
The midfielder has been a key figure for City since his €70m move from Monaco in 2017, contributing 48 goals and 51 assists across five seasons, winning four Premier League titles along the way.
Can Pep convince Bernardo Silva to stay? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/kbVx9sBRz8
— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) August 5, 2022
City coach Pep Guardiola has previously described Bernardo as one of his favourite players, but he wouldn't stop him from leaving.
"The players' desire is the most important thing," he said recently. "I want players to be happy. Of course I want Bernardo to be here but I don't know what is going to happen, honestly I don't know."
Barcelona promise
At the same time, Barcelona are at least as keen to see Bernardo arrive at Camp Nou, the club considering him the final piece of the jigsaw as they look to build one of the most intimidating squads in world football.
According to Catalan daily newspaper Sport, Barca have promised Silva that they will complete the transfer, despite their recent financial dire straits.
"The Blaugrana have already assured Bernardo Silva that he will come to the Camp Nou this summer and that they already have the money ready to face what will be the highest financial operation of the entire summer," they write.
"Contact has already been established and the president, Joan Laporta, has given orders to go all out for the Portuguese... and they have the money ready to pay for the transfer."
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Barcelona have activated financial levers - improving cashflow now set against future revenues - but they still need to balance their books through player sales to satisfy the financial regulations put into place by La Liga if they want to register new signings.
Frenkie de Jong is seen as Barcelona's most saleable asset and is also the club's highest earner. He has been determined to stay at his "dream club" and they also owe him €20m in deferred wages.
And with Bernardo arriving, the Barca midfield starts to look very crowded...
