Bernardo Silva tipped for big-money exit amid Man City U-turn – pundit
Noel Whelan has suggested Bernardo Silva is likely to move on next summer (2023) after he “abandoned” thoughts of leaving Man City this month.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed an extra year will give Pep Guardiola time to scour the market for the 28-year-old’s potential replacement.
Silva, who has won four Premier League titles during his time at Man City, has made no secret of his interest in a move to Barcelona in recent seasons.
However, according to The Athletic (17 August), the midfielder is ready to “abandon” thoughts of an exit amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain and the Catalan giants.
Their report claims Silva will “knuckle down” for another season with Man City holding firm on their £84million valuation.
The former Monaco star is under contract at the Etihad Stadium until June 2025.
Whelan backed Silva to play a key role in potentially winning the club’s first Champions League this term.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “It’s great news for Man City.
“The likes of Erling Haaland will relish having his quality and his intelligence around. He brings so much to their game.
“This keeps Man City in a strong position for the Premier League and the Champions League this season.
“He seems like he’s ready for a move elsewhere, but he’s professional and he’ll enjoy this season.
“City will assess the situation next summer, but this extra season gives them more time to identify a replacement. It won’t be easy to replace what he brings to the side.
“He’s one of the best midfielders in the world. He can help them bring the Champions League back to the club in what could be his last season.”
In other news, pundit issues emphatic Erling Haaland verdict after Man City reveal – “look at Jack Grealish”.