Pep Guardiola recently spoke out about Bernardo Silva and the links with Barcelona this summer, admitting the 28-year-old wants to join the Catalans but can’t be granted a move until a deal is lodged. Guardiola has consistently said he won’t stand in the way of players wanting out of Manchester City, but he should break that rule with Silva.
Where will Manchester City finish in the Premier League this season?
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th or lower
As per Sky Sports, Guardiola told reporters: “I’m no one to tell Barca to forget about (signing) Bernardo. We want him to stay with us, but I don’t want anyone who’s not happy. I don’t want him to go. I want him to stay.” Silva has made four appearances in all competitions this season, scoring one goal with one assist. He’s an important player for Guardiola but has an uncertain future.
The 28-year-old wanted out of City last summer and was rumoured to have contacted Barcelona officials to broker a move, but he stayed in Manchester and was outstanding last season – 50 games, 13 goals, 7 assists. Silva is a hard player to replace this late in the transfer window, so City are better off keeping him.
He proved last season that he can play despite uncertainty over his future, so Guardiola need not worry about him having his head turned if his Barcelona move doesn’t go through.