Man City tipped to ‘dangle carrot’ in front of Bernardo Silva after journalist’s transfer update – Robinson
Paul Robinson has urged Man City to do everything in their power to keep Bernardo Silva at the club for one more season.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs and England number one suggested Pep Guardiola will make a final plea to the 28-year-old to remain at the Etihad.
Silva was named on the bench for Man City on Sunday as they began their Premier League title defence with a 2-0 win at West Ham.
Speaking at a press conference, as quoted by the BBC (6 August), the City boss insisted he wants to keep the attacking midfielder at the club this season
According to the Daily Mail‘s Pete Jenson (3 August), Barcelona plan to sign Silva to replace Frenkie de Jong, should the Dutchman leave the Nou Camp.
When asked by Football Insider for his assessment of Silva’s future, Robinson said: “I wouldn’t let him go.
“He still has so much to offer Manchester City. The type of player and character that he is, he would be a big miss.
“I still think he has another season at Man City in him. It will ultimately be down to the player and where he sees his future though.
“Pep will not want to lose him. When you look at the starting XI, they have [Ilkay] Gundogan who can play in that role but Bernardo Silva would probably be the first choice.
“He is not a player who is a problem for a manager. He is not going to break the manager’s door down if he is not playing.
“If I was Man City I would do everything possible to try and keep him for one more year.
“They will probably dangle that carrot of being potential Champions League winners. They might say, ‘Let’s have one more go. Let’s see if we can do it this season.'”
In other news, a finance guru has saluted ‘very smart’ Man City as behind-the-scenes deal details emerge.