Bernardo Silva has been tipped to leave Manchester City this summer in a latest report from Spain, with Paris Saint-Germain cited as a potential destination for the 28-year-old, but his ‘major exit’ won’t be sanctioned so readily by Pep Guardiola.
Silva has two-and-a-half years remaining on his deal at the Etihad Stadium, so City aren’t obligated to cash in early for less than his market value just yet. Any club willing to pay what is requested would also have to match his £150k-per-week salary. So that narrows down the list of potential suitors.
And for City to sell the Portuguese international, they would need a replacement lined up. Silva is one of the best playmakers in Europe, so Pep wouldn’t lose such an important cog in midfield without another coming in the opposite direction.
The one midfielder they have a real interest in signing is Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, but Liverpool appear to be leading the race for his signature. Ilkay Gundogan has an uncertain future at City and is out of contract at the end of the season, so Guardiola could lose two key midfielders in one transfer window.
That means if City fail to sign Bellingham, it’s hard to see Silva being granted a move away. Until the club write a list of ball-playing and hard-working creative midfielders to enquire about, they aren’t planning for his departure. Let alone a club actually lodging a bid.
In other news, Pep Guardiola has difficult decision to make ahead of Arsenal clash
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