Benfica presidential candidate João Noronha Lopes is preparing a major move for Manchester City star Bernardo Silva, according to [**Record**](https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-betclic/benfica/detalhe/noronha-lopes-quer-fechar-bernardo-silva-ja-em-janeiro-contrato-para-o-medio-esta-pronto?utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1757530028-3) in Portugal. The newspaper claims Lopes wants to seal a deal with the midfielder as early as January if he wins the club’s election.
The report states that a contract for the 31-year-old is already drafted and ready to be signed from January 1, the date on which Silva will be able to formally negotiate with other clubs. His current deal with Manchester City runs until June 2026.
Two scenarios are outlined by Record. Either City agree to let him leave immediately in exchange for a fee, or Benfica wait until the summer and secure him on a free transfer.
Discussions between Noronha Lopes and Silva are described as “well advanced”, with the candidate intending to make the playmaker the centrepiece of his sporting project.
Bernardo Silva has maintained a close relationship with Noronha Lopes, appearing publicly with him in 2022 alongside Nuno Gomes, who is now part of the candidate’s list as vice-president for football.
The midfielder has also been openly critical of former president Luís Filipe Vieira and previously admitted that returning to Benfica has long been one of his career goals.
In a 2023 interview with Record, Silva said: _“I think about it every year. It has always been a goal. I didn’t get to fulfil my dream of playing for Benfica when I was 19 or 20, but I still want to make it happen.”_ More recently, in June 2024, he added: _“I already know what I’m going to do”_ when asked about his plans after Manchester City.
For now, Silva remains committed to Pep Guardiola’s side, who face Manchester United this Sunday in the Premier League.