During the summer of 2021, it was reported that Bernardo Silva was open to leaving Manchester City.
The Portuguese international had admitted to being discontent with life in Manchester, after being away from his loved ones during a Covid-19 induced lockdown.
The dissatisfaction with his time off the pitch translated on the pitch as well, as he was far from his breathtaking best in the following two campaigns after hitting unprecedented heights during the 2018/19 season.
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As a result, a host of clubs had lined up to sign the want-away midfielder, such as Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Arsenal and AC Milan.
Reportedly, Bernardo Silva’s heart was set on a change of scenery, as it was claimed that he fancied a move to Spain and La Liga.
However, financial difficulties due to a COVID-stricken market deemed him unaffordable.
While Bernardo Silva ended up staying in east Manchester and enjoying arguably his best season till date, it seems as though he still prioritises a switch to La Liga, with Barcelona catching his eye in particular.
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Blaugrana boss Xavi is understood to be a keen admirer of the 28 year-old, especially as a potential replacement for Frenkie de Jong, who is being increasingly linked with a move to Chelsea.
The Dutchman has been shown the door as the Catalan giants aim to ease their wage bill, with the former Monaco star eyed as an attainable target to elevate the club’s midfield department to the next level.
With a move to Barcelona for Bernardo Silva still looking like it could become a possibility in the coming weeks, Pep Guardiola has offered his thoughts on the player’s importance and his future at the club.
“I said last time, I want Bernardo (Silva) here - 100%."
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Pep Guardiola exclaimed, "Because I love him.
"The reason I am manager is because I can train players like Bernardo.
"He is a special person for me in these years," he closed.
Pep Guardiola continued, “The same as Nathan (Ake), how he behaves, he is always the same when he plays or does not play. He is positive and he makes our lives better together.
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"But as I have said before, I don’t know what will happen, but he knows how much we like him and want him, and how much we love him.
"But at the same time, I don’t know what is going to happen.”
It was recently suggested that unless the Spanish side stump up a fee in excess of £80 million and Manchester City sign a replacement, a deal is unlikely to get over the line.
While Pep Guardiola remains unsure about how the situation will pan out, it seems as if a number of boxes will have to be ticked within a tight timeframe for Bernardo Silva to become a Barcelona player this summer.
Featured Image Credit: Sportimage / AlamyTopics: Bernardo Silva, Pep Guardiola, Manchester City, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Barcelona, Transfers, Premier League