Barcelona and PSG target set to tell Manchester City he wants to leave: Reports
Manchester City star Bernardo Silva is reportedly preparing to hand in a transfer request amid interest from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The Portuguese attacker has long been on the two European giants' radar.
Football Insider reports that Silva is set to tell City he wants to leave this summer. He's been close to departing the Etihad during the last two summer transfer windows.
Barcelona and PSG have constantly tracked Silva, who has two years left on his contract. The 89-cap Portugal international wants to try a new challenge, and a move is rated more likely than it was in previous summers.
Silva, 29, is one of Pep Guardiola's most important players and starred for the Cityzens last season. He registered 11 goals and 10 assists in 49 games across competitions, winning his sixth Premier League title.
Guardiola made his feelings clear about Silva in October and expressed how highly he values the former AS Monaco man (via TNT Sports):
"I could stay here and talk for 10 minutes on what Bernardo Silva means for me and our team. He is a player that is beyond good in all departments - solidarity, intelligence, he understands everything. We are in love with him."
Manchester City are set to ask for around £50 million for Silva as Guardiola will need a suitable replacement. The Portuguese ace has been at the Etihad since 2017.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta admitted he wanted to sign Manchester City's Bernardo Silva last summer
Joan Laporta made his desire to sign Silva no secret when the Manchester City winger was linked with Barcelona last summer. The Catalans president was asked by a fan whether the La Liga giants would seal a deal (via Manchester Evening News):
"I would like to now".
Barca signed Silva's former teammate Ilkay Gundogan as a free agent last summer. The German left the Etihad after his contract expired, and he talked up a reunion with the Portuguese at Camp Nou (via the source above):
"He is an incredible player, I think he has many qualities to be a high-level player but he has a contract with City, so I can say little."
Gundogan became a key player for the Blaugrana last summer, and they'll be hoping Silva can follow suit if signed. With his creativity and tactical awareness, he has the traits to flourish in Hansi Flick's team.