Barcelona president Joan Laporta has told the club’s fans that he wants to sign Bernardo Silva from Manchester City.
The annual Bernardo Silva transfer saga is up and running as once again the midfielder’s future at the Etihad Stadium looks uncertain.
The 28-year-old asked to leave the club in each of the last three summers, and it’s understood that he is once again open to a move.
As was the case last summer, Barcelona are the club most heavily linked with the Portuguese international.
Bernardo shelved the idea of a move last summer when financial restrictions prevented Barcelona from submitting a suitable offer, but the Spanish giants remain keen.
Laporta reiterates Barcelona interest
Barcelona’s interest in Bernardo is one of the worst-kept secrets in football, largely thanks to the public comments of club president Joan Laporta.
Barca head coach Xavi is keen to sign the City star to add a new attacking dimension to his side.
Now, Barca president Laporta has publicly shared his desire to sign Cancelo.
As reported by SPORT, Laporta was recently asked by some young fans in Barcelona if the club is going to sign Bernardo.
He responded: “I would like to.”
Laporta might not be so confident in private
Laporta is known for his public displays of bravado and confidence, but privately he is unlikely to be confident about landing Bernardo.
The report in SPORT details how Barcelona “does not have the economic muscle” to pull off such a high-profile move.
When you consider that City will take into account the £105m fee Arsenal recently paid for Declan Rice when deciding on an asking price for Bernardo, a serious offer from Barca seems almost impossible.
The report concludes that a loan signing of a midfielder – such as Tottenham Hotspur’s Giovani Lo Celso – is more likely this summer.
Bernardo has also been linked with Paris Saint-Germain and Saudi Arabian clubs, but City are expected to double down on their attempts to keep him after the departure of Ilkay Gundogan and the expected sale of Riyad Mahrez.
