(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media, Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Thu 12 March 2026 7:00, UK

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Juventus cannot afford to miss out on Champions League qualification if they wish to sign Bernardo Silva this summer amid rumours that he could leave Manchester City at the end of his contract.

Juventus have been linked with a move to sign Silva on a free transfer this summer, with the Portugal midfielder potentially set to leave Man City when his contract expires in June.

Former Juve midfielder Miralem Pjanic has told the Italian giants to target Silva this summer, and reports have stated that they are exploring a move for his services.

They could well struggle to do so, however, after I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast that they face financial concerns if they miss out on the Champions League places.

Man City’s summer transfer plans and Silva’s future at the club are each set to be dictated by how they end this campaign, with four trophies still on offer for Guardiola’s side as it stands.

Juventus face struggle to sign Bernardo Silva if they miss out on UCL place

Juve currently sit sixth in Serie A, but are just one point behind fourth-placed Como as it stands, with 10 games still left to play this season.

PSG and Benfica are also believed to be in the race to sign Silva right now, with Juve’s financial concerns set to heighten if they miss out on a UCL place for 2026-27.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Bernardo Silva, if he does end up leaving Manchester City, which is looking likelier by every passing week, there’ll be a number of top clubs looking to sign him.

“If he does become a free agent, I think it’ll be more than just Juventus will be interested in him. For Juventus, the concern would be maybe financial considerations.

“Even though he’ll be (available to sign) on a free, there’ll be a big signing-on fee and a big wage as well for any deal for Bernardo Silva, and if Juventus miss out on the Champions League, that would be a huge blow to their finances.

“I think if Bernardo Silva becomes a free agent, I think there’ll be more than Juventus who’ll be willing to try and sign the Portuguese international.”

John Stones could also leave Man City amid Everton interest

City look to be coming to the end of an era this summer, with Stones being another long-serving star who may leave for pastures new.

The 31-year-old has only made 14 appearances across all competitions this season amid injury troubles, and his last Premier League start came against Aston Villa back on 26 October.

He is also entering the last few months of his contract at the Etihad, and sources have told Football Insider that Stones is open to joining Everton ahead of next season.

Silva and Stones both leaving would signify a changing of the guard for Guardiola’s side, with Rodri also potentially set to leave too.