One of Pep Guardiola’s favourite players could make the move to Catalonia.
Barcelona are currently locked in a battle with Real Madrid for the La Liga title and are one point ahead of their bitter rivals after 21 matchweeks.
As the pair are well ahead of third-placed Atlético Madrid, it looks like a new two-team race is on the horizon, and one that could go all the way to the wire.
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While Hansi Flick and his squad will be laser-focused on defending their title and securing their 28th title. La Liga title, the club is also looking for reinforcements for next season – with a well-known name eager to join.
Flick is likely to have a long shopping list this summer, with a centre-back and striker as two priorities, while the club will also make a decision on Marcus Rashford, who is spending the season on loan at Camp Nou.
The Manchester United player has scored eight goals and provided 12 assists this season, and his loan deal includes an option to buy. However, if Barca pull the trigger, Rashford may not be the only player to swap Manchester for Catalonia.
Pep Guardiola.
No player has played more games for Pep Guardiola than Bernardo Silva.
According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Manchester City striker Bernardo Silva is keen on a move to Barcelona, who previously had interest in him in 2022 and 2023.
The Portuguese international is in the final six months of his contract at the Etihad, and the expectation is that he will not sign new terms with the Premier League club.
However, the report claims that Barcelona management has no plans to sign the 31-year-old, as the current group of midfielders – including the likes of Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Marc Casado and Marc Bernal – have the support of the team at this point.
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Silva joined Manchester City in 2017 and has won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and a Champions League during his time at the Etihad.
The former Benfica and Monaco player also has the honour of having played more games under Pep Guardiola than any other player, with his 438 appearances under the former Barca boss being by far the highest.
Bernardo Silva celebrates after scoring for Manchester City against Manchester United in the Premier League at Old Trafford in April 2019.
But despite this, it sounds like Silva’s dream transfer is unlikely, and in FourFourTwo’s view, it’s easy to see why Barcelona aren’t looking to make a deal.
The club’s recent financial constraints are well documented, and as a free agent, Silva would demand a substantial salary, money that would be better spent in other areas of the pitch.
Silva won’t turn 32 until the start of next season and should be able to find a big-name European suitor if he wants to continue playing at the highest level.
