The 28-year-old was willing to leave if a deal could be agreed with Barca but said he was equally happy to remain in Manchester if a move didn’t materialise.
Oliver Kay of The Athletic revealed Silva’s ‘head was turned’ for two consecutive summers, however, which may be why Pep Guardiola dropped him for City’s first two Premier League games.
Where will Manchester City finish in the Premier League this season?
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th or lower
Silva was convinced to stay at City last summer and was outstanding over the campaign, scoring 13 goals with seven assists from 50 games in all competitions, but it didn’t seem his head was in the same place this season.
Not only was the Portuguese international making public statements about wanting to join Barcelona while still contracted with Man City, he seemed to give a farewell to supporters after the Sky Blues’ 4-0 win over Bournemouth on August 13.
So it’s no wonder Guardiola didn’t feel he could start Silva in either league game until his future was clarified. The 28-year-old managed to put his disappointment behind him to shine in 2021/22, but he really felt he was on the move this time and now has to focus on doing his best for City.
After winning consecutive titles, it’s strange to see so many first-team players being linked with departures, so Guardiola has a job on his hands to keep his squad happy.