Bernardo Silva: Man City told me I can join Barcelona

FT Desk
FT Desk
  • Updated: 23 May 2023 08:46 CDT
  • 3 min read
Bernardo Silva celebrates a goal for Manchester City.
© ProShots

Bernardo Silva has revealed that Manchester City have told him that he is free to join Barcelona this summer.

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The Portuguese star is a well-known transfer target for the Blaugrana this summer, with Barca coach Xavi a huge fan of the midfielder.

What did Bernardo Silva say?

“I've been open with Man City and they know what I want. If I stay, I'm very happy and I will always respect this club and give all my best. If not, it's football and we'll just see what happens,” Bernardo told ESPN.

“I will always be respectful with Man City.

"City are a big club, and they don't want players who aren't happy. They always tell us all that if you're not happy, you can leave."

Barcelona coach Xavi wants Bernardo to replace Frenkie de Jong, who has been put up for sale by the club.

Barcelona want to replace De Jong with Bernardo
© ProShots - Barcelona want to replace De Jong with Bernardo

Both Manchester United and Chelsea are in negotiations to sign the Dutchman, but the midfielder is standing firm and still wants to stay at Barca.

Nevertheless, with Barcelona set to activate their fourth economic lever and bring a new influx of cash into the club, the Blaugrana are likely to be able to afford Bernardo with or without selling De Jong.

Bernardo himself is very on a move to Camp Nou, having attempted to make the move a year ago. He is said to consider Barcelona as his dream club.

Man City would like to keep Bernardo, with coach Pep Guardiola regarding Silva as a key player in their team.

But as Bernardo said himself, they won’t keep any player against their will.

City have already sold Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling this summer but they had no problem in winning their first Premier League game of the season on Sunday, 2-0 at West Ham.

New signing Erling Haaland scored both goals for Man City.

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