Manchester City have offered Barcelona a guarantee about wantaway attacker Bernardo Silva.
That’s according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Bernardo is one of City’s most important players, having played a pivotal role in City’s era of success under Pep Guardiola.
The Portuguese attacker joined City from AS Monaco in a £43m deal in 2017 and has improved pretty much every season since.
Bernardo was superb during City’s treble-winning campaign last season, which culminated in the Blues winning the Champions League for the very first time.
However, despite everything going so well on the pitch, Bernardo’s future at the club remains uncertain.
The 28-year-old is understood to be keen on taking up a new challenge, and wishes to experience a different lifestyle than the one he has in Manchester.
Bernardo – once described by Guardiola as ‘unique’ – has informed City of his wish to leave the club, but as was the case last summer, the Premier League champions are not inclined to let him go.
City’s general stance is that they will allow wantaway stars to leave, so long as they bring a suitable offer to the negotiating table.
City have reportedly received no such suitable offers, and have in fact already rejected two proposals from Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
City give guarantee
Bernardo’s preferred destination is believed to be Barcelona, but according to Fabrizio Romano, City have given the Spanish giants a clear message.
“City guarantee that they do not want to sell Bernardo Silva this summer, and say, ‘No way, Bernardo has to stay’,” Romano said in a video on his YouTube channel.
“However, the midfielder’s intention has long been to try a new chapter, especially attracted by Barcelona.”
Romano added that City have no intention to negotiate with any clubs, and are prepared to offer Bernardo new contract that reflects his importance to the team.
The attacker’s current deal expires in 2025.
