Manchester City have reportedly rejected an offer from Barcelona for Bernardo Silva, making it ‘almost impossible’ that he leaves the club this summer.
For the third consecutive summer, Bernardo Silva’s future at the Etihad Stadium is uncertain.
The 29-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona, where manager Xavi regards him as a ‘fantastic’ player.
However, it now looks increasingly likely that Bernardo won’t be leaving City this summer, and certainly won’t be joining Barcelona.
Barcelona giving up hope
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Spanish giants regard a move for Bernardo ‘almost impossible’ after City reportedly rejected a loan offer with a mandatory purchase option of £50m.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, City have put a new contract proposal on the table and a growing increasingly confident that Bernardo will sign it.
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The journalist said: “Bernardo is taking his time, together with his agent, Jorge Mendes and together, with his family to decide on this contract.
“But City are very confident that they will receive an answer very soon and to get the new deal done for Bernardo. So, the conversation is advancing for Bernardo to extend the contract.”
The Portuguese star’s current deal, which he signed in 2019, expires in 2025.
While Bernardo is more than happy with his role in Guardiola’s side and the success of the team since he joined the club in 2017, it’s understood that he wants to lead a different lifestyle and live in a warmer climate.
For those reasons – as well as the status of the club – Barcelona represents the perfect destination.
Unfortunately for Bernardo, Barca’s financial situation means they cannot improve on the offer they have already submitted to City.
The restrictions the club is operating under is hampering their attempts to sign Bernardo’s City teammate Joao Cancelo, as well as register their summer signings – including Ilkay Gundogan – to play in La Liga.