Manchester City

Manchester City

Premier League • England

Man Utd get extra De Jong motivation as Xavi puts Barcelona in mix for ‘huge’ Bernardo Silva deal

Bernardo Silva, Spain v Portugal June 2022

Barcelona are reportedly keen on signing Manchester City attacker Bernardo Silva, which could impact Manchester United’s Frenkie de Jong chase.

Barca are looking to cement their status as a European giant again following a tumultuous few seasons. Financial issues – fuelled by massive debt – have caused a host of issues across all areas at the club.

But after dropping into the Europa League last season made their situation worse as they struggled in La Liga, Barcelona’s qualification for next term’s Champions League has them back at Europe’s top table.

They now have a number of exciting transfer targets on their radar. Barca head coach Xavi has signed Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen and wants Leeds United’s Raphinha.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, though, Xavi is now also keen on City’s Silva.

Barca recently held a meeting with super-agent Jorge Mendes, who has connections at a number of top European clubs.

And Silva’s name topped the bill in discussions between the representative and the La Liga club. Indeed, Xavi is reportedly a ‘big fan’ of the former Monaco star.

But Man City will set a ‘huge price tag’ for the Portugal international. A move is therefore out of reach for Barcelona – unless they make a major sale.

De Jong to Man Utd could help Silva to Barcelona

Barca midfielder De Jong has not hit the heights that inspired his big-money move to Camp Nou from Ajax in 2019.

He has insisted that he wants to remain at Barcelona and Xavi recently claimed that the Dutchman can become one of the best midfielders in the world.

However, he looks to be the major first-team star Barcelona would be willing to sell to secure a potential new signing.

Reports from Spanish outlet El Chiringuito have in fact claimed that Man Utd have had a De Jong bid accepted.

The concurrent deals for Silva and De Jong could yet take time – and it remains unclear whether both will go through.

Bernardo Silva not only Man City doubt

Manchester City attacking midfielder Bernardo Silva

City boss Pep Guardiola is facing uncertainty over his front line this summer.

He has made a statement signing in Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland. However, Silva is not the only City star whose future is uncertain.

Gabriel Jesus is a firm target for Arsenal, with Chelsea also looking at the Brazilian.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are keen on Raheem Sterling. Sterling and Jesus are both entering the final year of their deals.

Silva’s terms, though, run until 2025, which is why Silva are less prepared to lose him and why they will set a big price tag.

While Jesus and Sterling may depart this summer, City should try and keep hold of Silva.