Intriguing Bernardo Silva request revealed, as PSG ponder theory behind Man City stance after €70m bid
Bernardo Silva has been the subject of an unsuccessful offer from Paris Saint-Germain, according to a report shedding light on his transfer stance.
Manchester City have let a number of high-profile players leave this summer, including Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling. But Bernardo Silva is another who has been the subject of exit links.
Pep Guardiola has regularly admitted that he cannot hold a player against his will. There has been a feeling that Silva would welcome a move to Barcelona, although they are not his only admirers.
Indeed, Paris Saint-Germain have been drafting up their own plans to sign Silva, which have just become more concrete.
According to The Times, the French champions have submitted a bid to their English counterparts. Manchester City were offered the sum of €70million (around £59.2million) for Silva’s services.
However, Guardiola’s side have turned down the bid. PSG chiefs wonder if the reason is a fear that adding Silva to their squad would make them likelier to win the Champions League before Manchester City.
But what might work in their favour is Silva’s own stance. The report claims he has asked City to give him permission to leave this summer – and did in both 2020 and 2021 as well.
There is also a claim he has agreed personal terms with PSG ahead of a possible move. Christophe Galtier’s side now look to be the leading candidates, because Barcelona cannot match their offer due to La Liga regulations.
Still, it is doubtable whether City will allow Silva to join either of them. There have been claims recently that they could offer the Portugal international a contract extension; his current terms are due to expire in 2025.
The 28-year-old has played in 254 matches for City, from which he has contributed to exactly 100 goals. Precisely, he has scored 49 goals and provided 51 assists.
Man City under no Bernardo Silva pressure
His quality has been plain to see during his time at the Etihad Stadium. Given the other departures from their attacking areas this summer, it is understandable why City may be reluctant to let go of Silva.
He is still in his prime, so comes with a justifiably high valuation. City are not under any pressure to let him go – unless, perhaps, he asks them more directly to leave.
Would a move to Paris be appealing for him? Perhaps, given the club’s financial status, dominance of their domestic scene and the attractiveness of the city itself, but he is already in a good situation with his current employers.
Time is running out for PSG to make a new attempt for Silva, but it appears talk of his future is going to continue up to the deadline on September 1.
