Next big Man City exit named as source suggests Guardiola regular wants £70m Barcelona move
Man City are bracing themselves for the potential departure of a regular starter to Barcelona in the summer, according to a report.
Barcelona have taken a few players from Man City in recent years, such as Ferran Torres and Eric Garcia. Other players have been tipped to follow a similar route recently, too. After all, despite City’s domestic dominance, Barcelona have a higher pedigree in Europe.
Therefore, they can still attract elite members of their former manager Pep Guardiola’s squad. And a report from Football Insider on Saturday is revealing who could be next in line to leave City for Barcelona.
According to the online source, Bernardo Silva is open to joining Barcelona from City in the summer. Interest from the La Liga leaders remains after they took a look at the Portugal international in the past.
Silva has shown his versatility this season in City’s fluid tactical system. From 35 appearances in all competitions, he has scored three goals – including one that brought him to the landmark of 50 overall for the club – and provided five assists.
There have been a few claims recently that it could be his last season at the Etihad Stadium. By the summer, there will only be two years remaining on his contract.
And now, Football Insider is claiming that Silva has told friends he is willing to join Barcelona in a few months’ time.
To get their man, though, Barcelona will need to put together a convincing bid. As things stand, City have set a £70million asking price for the 28-year-old, per the report.
At this moment in time, Barcelona would not be comfortable paying that sum. Therefore, they will have to try and negotiate a different transfer fee.
But City have shown in recent years that they won’t stand in players’ way if they no longer want to be in their squad. Hence, Silva may have some optimism of getting his exit wish in the summer.
Bernardo Silva exit not ideal for Man City
After a City career including 286 appearances, 51 goals and 56 assists, his departure would be a blow. Furthermore, at the age of 28, Silva should be in the prime of his career. Therefore, it would be a bad time to lose him.
From Barcelona’s perspective, on the flipside, this summer could be an ideal time to welcome Silva. And it appears they have caught his interest too, which may be a worry for Guardiola.
Silva played for Benfica and Monaco before his move to Man City in 2017. Joining Barcelona could be a next step for the 78-cap Portugal star.
As an attacking midfielder who can play centrally or out wide, he would be able to contribute in different ways at Camp Nou, making himself useful for Xavi.
How City would go about replacing him if he does move remains to be seen, but they might have to start making some plans in that regard to be on the safe side.
The article Next big Man City exit named as source suggests Guardiola regular wants £70m Barcelona move appeared first on Teamtalk.com.
