Bernardo Silva on Barça radar as market nears closing
Bernardo Silva drew heavy attention at Camp Nou, with supporters and analysts repeatedly assessing his fit for Barcelona. While he remains a key player for Manchester City, the Catalan club has shown sustained interest. With seven days left before the transfer window closes, the possibility of a move remains a topic of debate, though signs point to City not being eager to part with the Portuguese international.
Both Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain, Manchester City’s chief executive and sporting director respectively, have stated there were no offers for Bernardo Silva and that a move was not contemplated heading into the new season. As Sunday marks the end of the window on September 1, any sale would require City to adjust their squad structure accordingly, potentially opening up space for a different player profile if a deal materialized.
Xavi: “Depends on the city”
During a joint press conference after the ELA match, Xavi Hernández and Pep Guardiola were asked about Bernardo Silva. Xavi spoke highly of Silva, suggesting he could be the final piece to complete Barcelona’s lineup, not only for his on-field contributions but also for the leadership and football intelligence he would bring to the group.
Attention to Pep Guardiola’s remarks followed. Guardiola acknowledged that Bernardo Silva has shown genuine interest in Barcelona and that his decision-making on the field makes a difference. Yet he also emphasized that Silva’s situation is ultimately tied to the club’s location and conditions, saying that the decision rests with the city’s configuration and priorities.
“Bernardo Silva genuinely likes Barcelona, that is true,” Guardiola noted in a public thread about the match, underscoring that the final decision would hinge on the overall plan. He added that Silva understands how and when to influence a game, and that his absence from the squad would depend on whether the club can align the transfer with its current financial and competitive goals.
priority order
Barça’s valuation of Silva did not align with the club’s immediate transfer priorities. Prior discussions with other targets, such as Raphinha, involved attempts to secure deals with Lewandowski and Koundé. Barçá’s current financial constraints meant there was little room to register new signings, especially given the challenge of accommodating players and registering them under existing regulations. The club would need to offload players like Braithwaite, Memphis, and Aubameyang to create a margin, a hurdle that complicated any potential Silva pursuit.
Guardiola’s stance remained firm. He stressed that Bernardo Silva is an essential member of his squad and that the player would not depart unless it aligned with City’s plans. The Barcelona consideration was acknowledged, but there was a clear reminder that no formal offer had been received, and any move would require a mutual fit between the clubs and the player’s ambitions. Guardiola concluded by noting Silva’s affinity for Barcelona while reiterating that the decision rests with the club and its strategy for the season ahead, leaving the door open but not ajar enough to confirm a transfer angle at that moment.