The speculation around Bernardo Silva’s future has reached an all-time high after he was benched for Manchester City’s first two games of the 2022/23 Premier League season.
Some believe that with the rumours around Barcelona’s interest in the 28-year old since last summer, a move may finally come to fruition in the final weeks of the transfer window.
While the Spanish giants continue to suffer from financial woes, the potential sale of Frenkie de Jong could allow them to fund a deal for Bernardo Silva.
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The Dutchman’s exit would reportedly ease the side’s wage bill and help the club recuperate a major fee that could be utilised to finance the Portuguese international’s addition.
To add to that, it has been widely claimed that Xavi considers the Sky Blues lynchpin as the perfect replacement for the reportedly Chelsea-bound midfielder.
All the noises surrounding Silva have also indicated that he would be open to a switch to Catalonia, despite coming off the back of a sensational campaign for Manchester City.
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While it is understood that the player is content with life in Manchester, unlike during last summer where he was desperate for a change of scenery, his heart continues to be set on an exit.
With City’s policy of allowing players to depart if they wish to for the right offer, a whole host of fans have voiced their concerns about how a departure involving the midfield maestro remains a realistic possibility.
However, Kevin De Bruyne has surprisingly shut down the exit rumours, by having his say on his fellow teammate’s future at the Etihad Stadium.
“The way that I see it, I think that he will be here so there's nothing that I'm worried about. Whatever happens, he is great for us and I expect him to be here with us this year. I think he knows that he is loved”, he revealed, as quoted by Jack Gaughan of the Mail.
Sky Blues supporters certainly came together to remind the four-time Premier League winner of how much of a fan favourite he is, constantly chanting the player’s name in unison after he came off the bench against Bournemouth on Saturday.
Last week, Bernardo himself through his short-term future into further doubt during an interview.
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“Man City is a big club and they don't want players who are not happy. They always say to us that if you're not happy, you can go. Of course, they are in business and they want the right money for us but personally it's a relationship that is very respectful.
“They’ve always been honest with me and I’ve always been honest with them. I will always respect my relationship with Man City, the fans, staff, my teammates so whatever happens, happens and it for sure will happen in a very respectful way."
Bernardo Silva is contracted at the Etihad Stadium until 2025.
With Kevin De Bruyne bluntly all but confirming Bernardo Silva’s stay alongside Frenkie de Jong being yet to depart Barcelona, it is becoming increasingly likely that an exit is not on the cards in the summer of 2022.
Featured Image Credit: PA Images/AlamyTopics: Manchester City, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne
