Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva is set to leave the club at the end of the season, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed on the latest episode of the Market Madness podcast.
The Portugal international has been at the Etihad Stadium since a mega-money £60m move from Monaco in 2017, and has been a key member of Pep Guardiola's squad since, winning six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and a Champions League.
But the 31-year-old is now set to be out of contract at the end of the season, and Silva has revealed that he has already made his mind up about his next step, although he hasn't officially confirmed that he is going to leave the Cityzens.
Sources: Saudi Eyeing Eye-Watering Silva Move
bernardo silva
Silva, who currently earns £375,000-a-week, has been a major target for Saudi football for several years now, and has been engaged in on-off talks with dealmakers since the summer of 2023. Back then, he was offered a deal worth around £500,000-a-week, and while a deal never materialised, sources understand he is still a leading target.
Al Hilal are unlikely to return with an offer in 2026, with their attentions elsewhere, but GIVEMESPORT understands that Al Ahli and Al Qadsiah have both made enquiries more recently. Silva is not against a move to the Middle East, but it's also not his only option.
There is also an opportunity for Silva to return to Portugal with his first club, Benfica, and it's understood the player would be open to that possibility too.
The Lisbon side recently appointed Jose Mourinho as their manager to replace Bruno Lage following a poor start to the Champions League campaign, but there is no guarantee he will be in charge at the Estadio da Luz next season. Mourinho signed a two-year deal, but that includes a one-year break clause in the summer.
There is a feeling among sources that Portugal national team manager Roberto Martinez could leave the role after the World Cup in USA, Mexico and Canada rather than extending his deal, having taken over after the last World Cup and led the nation to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals before winning the UEFA Nations League.
Mourinho has long been linked with coaching the national team, and it's believed that he is being eyed up for the role should that happen.