Sources: Bernardo Silva offer so ‘mind-boggling’ even Man City can’t compete
Man City are growing more and more pessimistic about the possibility of keeping Bernardo Silva at the club this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The 28-year-old is the subject of big interest from Saudi Arabia – and a well-placed source has told Football Insider that they are offering him “mind-boggling” sums to move to the Middle East.
It is believed the figures on offer will be tough to turn down for Silva, who currently earns a reported wage of £150,000-a-week at Man City.
Even the treble-winners, despite their considerable financial clout, are not able to compete with the offer on the table in Saudi Arabia.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that City “fear the worst” – and expect Silva to be tempted away for a new challenge elsewhere.
The 82-cap Portugal international notched 55 appearances across all competitions last term, managing seven goals and eight assists.
His contract runs until June 2025 but links with the likes of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have surfaced in recent transfer windows.
Silva joined the club in 2017 and has won five league titles, four League Cups, one FA Cup and one Champions League title at the Etihad Stadium.
Saudi clubs have embarked on a mega-money spending spree in the last 12 months as officials look to raise the profile of the Pro League.
The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante have all joined on free transfers – while big fees have been spent on stars like Ruben Neves and Kalidou Koulibaly.
Man City could be left short in attacking midfield if Silva is to quit.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (3 July) that several clubs are eyeing up loan and permanent moves for Cole Palmer.
Ilkay Gundogan has also left for Barcelona, but has been swiftly replaced by Chelsea ace Mateo Kovacic.
In other news, Championship trio make moves to sign Man City star.