Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Thu 23 April 2026 11:00, UK

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Manchester City will face the unenviable task of replacing Bernardo Silva this summer, with his contract set to expire.

The midfielder announced last week that he will leave the club upon the conclusion of this season, which could still end with a domestic treble.

Man City won the Carabao Cup last month, will meet Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday and have clawed back Arsenal’s lead in the Premier League.

Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Burnley saw the Citizens go top on goals scored, just weeks after the advantage had stood at nine points.

Man City transfer chiefs will already have names in mind to replace Silva this summer, but they will have a hard job replicating his staggering impact.

Bernardo Silva’s stats vs Burnley tell the full story

Football Insider exclusively revealed this week that Man City will target experience to replace Silva this summer.

The 31-year-old has been at the Etihad Stadium for nine years, making over 450 appearances for the club and winning the Premier League six times.

As Man City attempt to seal a brilliant comeback to win the title again this season, the midfielder will be looked to for experience in guiding the younger players in Pep Guardiola’s squad.

That leadership was on full show on Wednesday, as Silva ran the show in a key match that ultimately could have been dangerous for the Citizens.

The former Benfica man created an astonishing seven chances in the game, completing three successful dribbles and enjoying 16 touches in the opposition box.

He somehow emerged without an assist from a staggering display going forward, but his defensive work was just as impressive.

Silva made three tackles, won the majority of his duels and completed a brilliant seven recoveries as Man City saw out the result.

What Pep Guardiola said about ‘special’ Silva

Man City may face the task of replacing both their captain, Silva, and their manager, Guardiola, this summer.

The Spaniard is considering his own future, and could be ready to call time on his hugely successful Premier League tenure.

Silva has been key to that success, and his manager was emotional after his performance against Arsenal on Sunday.

“If you continue to talk about him, I will cry, so be careful,” he said. “It will be so emotional the moment when he is going to leave.

“Bernardo is Bernardo. You cannot define him. Without him, my nine years would be so, so different. He’s special.”