SL Benfica will push for the signature of Manchester City star Bernardo Silva if Joao Noronha is elected as their new president.
According to a report from Record, Joao Noronha has his eyes set on Manchester City midfield mainstay Bernardo Silva. The Benfica presidential candidate wants to sign the Portuguese international as early as January if he comes into power.
After making a name for himself at AS Monaco, Silva joined the Premier League giants in the summer of 2017 in a deal worth £43 million. The veteran playmaker has been an integral part of Pep Guardiola’s plans from the get-go, and he has played a massive part in all the success they have enjoyed.
While the 31-year-old is still the go-to man for the Spanish manager, he has entered the final year of his contract, and there has been a lot of talk about his future. Silva has been linked with a move away almost every summer, but nothing concrete has happened.
However, with his contract running out, a departure could be on the cards in the near future. SL Benfica have emerged as a potential destination for the Portuguese international. Silva came up through the ranks at Benfica. While the experienced playmaker did get promoted to their first team, he left the club after just a handful of appearances.
Silva could return to Benfica in January
The 31-year-old is a massive fan of the Portuguese club and continues to follow them. He has often spoken about his desire to return, and it could happen as early as January. Joao Noronha Lopes, who is currently in the running to be the next Benfica president, wants to bring Bernardo Silva back to the club.
He aims to make the Manchester City star the backbone of his new project. Noronha Lopes has a strong relationship with the former AS Monaco attacker, and he has already held talks with him over a potential transfer. With talks between the two parties ongoing, the Eagles’ presidential candidate has already prepared a contract for the Portuguese international.
The document is ready to be signed at the turn of the calendar. Since Silva will only have six months left on his deal at that point, he will be free to negotiate with his former club. Manchester City could either look to cash in on him mid-season, or they could choose to let him run down his deal and leave as a free agent next summer.