Man City answer PSG & Barca over Bernardo Silva interest
FT Desk
- Updated: 5 Aug 2023 20:03 BST
- 3 min read
Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona have been given short shrift in their attempts to pry Bernardo Silva away from Manchester City.
The Portugal ace enjoyed a stellar season at the Etihad Stadium, driving City on to clinch an historic Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble.
But his privileged position at the heart of Pep Guardiola's starting line-up has not prevented transfer speculation from building up around him.
Barca suffer Saudi Pro League blow
Bernardo had been linked to Barca as long ago as last summer, and the Catalans are reportedly once more in the hunt for the midfielder.
PSG, meanwhile, are in the process of rebuilding their team following the exit of Lionel Messi and more Champions League disappointment in 2022-23 and are also interested in the star.
According to Fabrizio Romano, however, both clubs' enquiries are falling on deaf ears.
The transfer expert claims that City will not hold talks over Bernardo under any circumstance, effectively ruling out a deal this window.
City, moreover, plan to sit down with the midfielder in order to discuss a contract extension, though his own preferences as to staying or leaving will be taken into account.
Pep hopeful over Bernardo
Speaking ahead of the club's Community Shield clash against Arsenal, Pep Guardiola expressed his desire to hold on to both Bernardo and Kyle Walker.
"Losing Kyle and Bernardo would be so difficult, that's why we're going to do everything to keep them because they want to really be here," he stated.
"When we lose these type of players we have to go to the market. These types of players don't cost £10 million, 20, 30, 40, or 50, no, they are more expensive than that. And we need that money to invest in other players to make the team as strong as possible."
Bernardo joined City in 2017 and has two years left to run on his current deal at the Etihad Stadium.
