Guardiola and Soriano’s differing Silva Man City transfer verdicts and what Barcelona have said

Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona before the end of the transfer window.

The winger has been a key player for Pep Guardiola’s side over the past few years but they risk losing him this month.

Silva, 28, made the move to the Etihad Stadium in 2017 and has since scored 49 goals in 255 games.

Prior to his move to England, he played for Benfica in Portugal and AS Monaco in France.

He has played four times for City so far this term but question marks remain as to whether he will be staying put.

Here is what has been said about his future.

‘Likes Barcelona a lot’....

Guardiola has made it clear that he wants to keep Silva at the Etihad Stadium beyond the transfer deadline. However, he won’t stand in the way of him leaving if the player wants the move to Camp Nou.

He has said, as per Sky Sports: “We want him to stay with us, but I don’t want anyone who’s not happy. The first thing would be for the clubs to come to an agreement, but there has been no offer for him in these last two years.

“I don’t want him to go, he’s a superlative player and a great person... and there are only seven or eight days left (in the window) and we would have to turn to the transfer market.

“I want him to stay. That said, it is true Bernardo likes Barcelona a lot.”

Xavi is keen

Barcelona boss Xavi has confirmed his interest in luring Silva to Spain.

Xavi has said, as per Goal: “I love Bernardo as a player. He understands everything and has an amazing ability to make decisions.

“He’s a very important player for Pep and he makes the difference on the pitch.”

Sticking point

Although Guardiola is willing to let him leave if he wishes to and Xavi wants to sign him, City CEO Ferran Soriano is less open to the potential transfer.

He has said (via reporter Fabrizio Romano): “There are no discussions or talks for Bernardo Silva. There’s no Bernardo case. Manchester City market can be considered closed, it’s over”.

Time will tell whether Silva leaves for Barcelona between now and the end of August. In the meantime, it is business as usual for City and they are back in action this weekend against Crystal Palace at home.