It is safe to say that Bernardo Silva has not have his best campaign for Manchester City.
The Portugal international has been a magnificent signing for the club since arriving from AS Monaco in 2017, and has made some immense contributions to the club’s dominance in recent times.
But, as with a lot of his teammates, Bernardo Silva has struggled this season.
He has often had to play in midfield in the absence of Rodri, with Pep Guardiola regularly deploying him alongside Ilkay Gundogan.
Fans have watched both of them struggle, and some are starting to feel that this summer may be the time to move Bernardo on. Recently, Gary Lineker suggested Bernardo and a couple of other City players’ legs had gone.
And it would be a long time coming, because for a few summers now Bernardo has been open to leaving the club.
Man City deal with Bernardo Silva’s contract on ‘summer-by-summer basis’
It has been reported by The Athletic that Manchester City have been dealing with Bernardo’s contract on a ‘summer-by-summer basis’.
This is because the player has shown a desire to leave several times previously.
This summer, Bernardo will only have one year left on his deal at the Etihad Stadium.
Given the form he has shown this term, one would imagine that it’d be City’s preference to sell, to avoid a scenario of his value dropping in the final year of his contract.
That said, it’s not out of the question City could extend his deal, as he could turn things around.
- READ MORE: Who is Bernardo Silva? Try to keep up with Man City’s £43m all-action hero who just never stops
The Bernardo Silva comments suggest he could finally leave
So City will make a decision on Bernardo this summer and at this point, it probably would be a surprise if he stayed put.
Because Bernardo himself actually made some comments to potentially hint that he feels it’s time for change.
Speaking to A Bola last month, he said: “Of course, generations and cycles come to an end, obviously due to age and different career stages, and this club will need to renew.
“It’s a difficult job and it’s starting to happen, there are a lot of players coming to the end of their contracts, there are a lot of players who have already left and who will leave in the next few years.
“I’m sure the club will do an excellent job of giving these new players the stability they need to try and come close to the success we’ve had, which won’t be easy.
| Bernardo Silva for Man City (2017-present) |
| Appearances – 392 |
| Goals – 69 |
| Assists – 69 |
“But I know that this club will continue on a path of great success, because it’s a club with a very strong structure.”
The remarks do read as though Bernardo is planning to leave, and certainly, it would be a very sad thing for a lot of City fans if that did happen.
The time is probably right, but the Portuguese magician has truly been one of City’s very best signings since the 2008 takeover.
