Man City have already found Bernardo Silva replacement – expert
Man City already have a ready-made replacement for Bernardo Silva in Phil Foden, with the former expected to leave this summer.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Scotland striker Frank McAvennie insisted Silva will pass the torch to Foden as he develops into the “finished article” under Pep Guardiola.
He suggested Silva would want to move to Spain to get closer to his native Portugal, and heaped praise on the 29-year-old for his performances since arriving at City in 2017.
Guardiola’s understanding of when to let players move on was also praised, with comparisons drawn to Ilkay Gundogan’s exit last summer when he joined Barcelona.
Football Insider revealed on 21 May that Silva is ready to leave the Etihad this summer in search of a new challenge with a move abroad looking likely.
Man City already have Bernardo Silva replacement
Football Insider also reported that City are lining up possible replacements for Silva, with West Ham star Lucas Paqueta high on their list.
McAvennie admitted City would likely miss the midfielder given his talent and experience, but thinks Foden will be ready to take on his role.
“I think he won’t go to another [English] team, he’ll go to Spain, he wants to go back home, he’s been talking about that,” he told Football Insider.
“Pep knows when to let players go. All good managers know. He did it with Gundogan, he let him go.
“Of course, they’re going to miss him, but I think now, you’re seeing Foden as the finished article, so you can let Silva go.
“He was their magician, now it’s Foden.
“Whatever he does, he deserves everything he’s got from English football because he’s been an absolute joy to watch and a breath of fresh air.”
In other news, City have agreed terms with Paqueta ahead of a transfer deal.
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