Barcelona told how to seal Bernardo Silva transfer by Man City

24 Aug 2023 15:06 BST
3 min read

Pep Guardiola, Bernardo Silva, Man City, 2022/23 — © ProShots

Barcelona have been given a clear pathway into finally being able to sign Bernardo Silva, despite their long-term transfer target signing a new contract with Manchester City.

Silva raised eyebrows by penning an extension keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until 2026, having reportedly been holding out for a transfer to Barca at many points in recent years.

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Barca’s well-documented financial issues have so far prevented any deal from being struck, with City having previously demanded a fee in excess of €70 million for the 29-year-old.

ALL OR NOTHING: Barca's offer for Bernardo

However, Silva’s new deal is understood to contain a release clause allowing him to depart for €59m – a lesser, fixed amount City are happy to grant for a player who has been at the club since 2017.

City have always maintained that any player who wishes to leave the club would be free to do so if a suitable fee can be agreed with another team – something which Barca have never been able to achieve.

The Catalan side have failed with multiple offers including loans and incentive-based transfer fees, prompting Silva to remain at the Etihad despite having previously admitted seeing Barca as his dream club.

Silva preparing for transfer next summer

Silva has remained a loyal servant to City despite his repeated desires to move to Barca, with the Portuguese international said to be understanding towards his team’s stance and valuation.

The ex-Monaco playmaker has been integral under Pep Guardiola during his time at the club, playing at least 34 Premier League games in five of his six seasons at City.

Silva is expected to feature heavily again this season after Kevin de Bruyne was ruled out for at least three months, with any potential transfer away likely to be considered next summer.

NO GO: City bid turned down for 'one of the best players in the world'

City, meanwhile, saw a €55m bid rejected by Wolves for Matheus Nunes, while Jeremy Doku is expected to complete his €60m switch from Rennes imminently.