Bernardo Silva wants to finalise ‘emotional’ Benfica move after Man City exit reveal 

Bernardo Silva has made it clear he wants to return to Benfica when he leaves Manchester City at the end of the season.

That is the view of former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, after Silva confirmed his departure from Man City at the end of the season.

The 31-year-old will see his contract at the Etihad expire in the summer after nine years in the Premier League.

Silva came through the youth system at Benfica, and started his professional career at the Portuguese club, meaning he has strong connections to the Eagles.

It is expected that Silva will not be the only major departure from Man City this summer, as Pep Guardiola looks to freshen up his squad ahead of next season.

Bernardo Silva wants to agree Benfica return

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs - believes Silva deserves to choose the next club he wants to join.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks that Benfica will still be a "competitive place" for the midfielder to play his football.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “He's made it fairly clear emotionally he wants to go back to Portugal and Benfica. 

"That would be great for them and for him. Obviously, he's deserved it. He's done a great shift. Man City fans will thank him, and he deserves to have the last few years where he wants.

"Now, Benfica is a great place to go and play your football. So he has that luxury to choose, and if that makes him happy and his family happy, then great.

"That's still a very competitive place and will give them a bit of an edge in European football as well.” 

Man City join transfer race for Premier League midfielder

Whilst Elliot Anderson has been linked with a move to the club, former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Man City have joined the race to sign Mateus Fernandes.

The West Ham midfielder has been a standout player in the Hammers' bid to avoid Premier League relegation, and he recently made his international debut for Portugal.

The 21-year-old is likely to leave West Ham if they are relegated, putting multiple clubs on alert around his potential availability this summer.

Fernandes' experience in the Premier League means he could hit the ground running at Man City, but he can also be part of the club's long-term plans.