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‘What’s the point?’ – Pundit says 21 y/o Man City man will suffer if £80m player is sold

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Bernardo Silva has an uncertain future at Manchester City this summer. The 27-year-old is considering a move away from the Etihad Stadium amid interest from Barcelona and Pep Guardiola will greenlight a departure for the right price, but Noel Whelan doesn’t understand why City would let such a talented player leave.

Silva scored 13 goals and made seven assists from 50 games this season, so he’s important player to Guardiola. The Portuguese international was second in the squad for successful dribbles (53) and second for chances created (59), so he’d be a hard playmaker to replace. Whelan says new-boy Erling Haaland would suffer if Silva left before the pair could play together.

He told Football Insider: “I would be really reluctant to sell him if I were Man City. You’ve got Erling Haaland coming in who would thrive from having his quality. What’s the point of bringing Haaland in if he’s not going to get the service?”

Silva did want to leave Man City last summer but was convinced by Guardiola to stay. He was outstanding this season, drawing interest from overseas, so City have another battle on their hands to keep a talented asset. Like Ferran Torres in January, Silva will be allowed to leave if he requests it, but City want to make their money back and more.

The Portuguese international set City back £45m in 2017 and has earned £39m in wages (£150k-per-week), so the Sky Blues want £80m for his signature. Whelan concedes that’s a fair price but says City would be foolish letting him go.

He added: “£80m doesn’t seem a bad figure from a buyer’s perspective, especially as he has another three or four years of his best football ahead of him. He’s been one of the most consistent players for Man City in every season since joining. On his day, he’s just one of these players you can’t defend against.”

In other news, Kevin Campbell says Man City should sign ‘brilliant player’ from PL rivals

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