Barcelona dealt major blow as key transfer target deemed 'irreplaceable'

Cameron Smith

29 Oct 2023 14:10 CDT
3 min read

Barcelona’s hopes of signing Bernardo Silva have been dented by Pep Guardiola after the Manchester City manager called the Portuguese star “irreplaceable” following their 3-0 win over Manchester United.

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Bernardo, 29, has constantly been linked with a Man City exit in recent seasons, with PSG and Barcelona both repeatedly interested in signing the Portugal international.

However, despite heavy rumours of a departure each window, Bernardo has remained at the Etihad Stadium and Barcelona’s hopes of signing him have been crushed by Guardiola.

The midfielder played a key role in City’s 3-0 win in the Manchester derby and helped Guardiola’s team dominate proceedings at Old Trafford. His efforts didn't go unrecognised by his manager, who was full of praise after the match.

What did Guardiola say?

“I always have a good feeling here, the players always give their best,” the Man City boss told Sky Sports after the game. “For so long seeing Sir Alex Ferguson at the top, we have changed the tendency, especially away [at Old Trafford].

“I could be talking for ten minutes how Bernardo does for our team. He is beyond good in all departments. We are in love with him.

“He's humble and everybody loves him in the locker room. We were scared to lose him. He's irreplaceable. Every time he comes here at Old Trafford, he plays really well.

“Today I had a feeling, because [Andre] Onana was exceptional. He could have scored three goals all the time, I remember he missed a few at West Ham away. He moves incredibly well in the box, he's another player that everyone loves. He's a top, top class player.

“The strategy was not good. The players know that the Premier League was so tough.

“My wife is 50 today. The players gave her a tremendous present, I'm sure she will be so happy.”