Transfer Centre

Bernardo Silva 'desperate to join Barcelona this summer'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 03 August 2023

Manchester City attacker Bernardo Silva is desperate to force a move to Barcelona before the summer transfer window closes, according to a report.

Manchester City attacker Bernardo Silva is reportedly desperate to force a move to Barcelona before the end of the summer transfer window.

The Catalan outfit are preparing to lose Ousmane Dembele, with the Frenchman heading for Paris Saint-Germain, meaning that there will be a new attacker arriving at Camp Nou before the market closes.

Joao Felix has been heavily linked with a move to the club, but it is understood that Barcelona boss Xavi has no interest in signing the Atletico Madrid forward.

Bernardo, on the other hand, is a long-term target for the La Liga champions, and according to SPORT, the Portugal international remains hopeful that a deal can be agreed this summer.

The report claims that the playmaker's agent Jorge Mendes is pulling out all of the stops in a bid to secure a move to Barcelona, but it remains an extremely complicated deal.

Manchester City's Julian Alvarez celebrates scoring their fourth goal with Bernardo Silva on May 17, 2023 © Reuters

Bernardo is a key player for Man City, and he was vital to their success last season, managing seven goals and eight assists in 55 appearances in all competitions for a team that won the treble.

The Portuguese has now featured 306 times for the Citizens since arriving from Monaco in July 2017, and he has another two years left to run on his contract.

However, Bernardo has made no secret of his desire to leave Man City for personal reasons, with the attacker keen to move closer to his family in Portugal.

There were suggestions of interest from Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal earlier this summer, but it is understood that the attacker wants to stay in European football at this stage of his career.

Manchester City's Bernardo Silva in action with West Ham United's Jarrod Bowen on May 3, 2023 © Reuters

Man City are believed to be willing to hand Bernardo a new contract which would make him one of the highest-paid players at the club.

Meanwhile, a recent report claimed that Pep Guardiola's side had made it clear to Bernardo that he will not be allowed to leave this summer due to his importance.

However, the attacker allegedly still holds hope that a deal can be agreed, as Dembele's departure will give Barcelona a financial boost in terms of the transfer fee, and the exit will also remove a large salary from the budget.

Bernardo has been heavily involved in Man City's preparations for the new campaign, and he started his side's 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid last time out in Seoul.

Talk of a potential switch to PSG has cooled in recent weeks, although the situation could change quickly if Kylian Mbappe is sold in the latter stages of the transfer window.