Football Insider exclusive as Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola stares across a split image towards Bernardo Silva, who warms up in the right h...
(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media, Imago)
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Wed 17 December 2025 7:00, UK
Manchester City are in “ongoing talks” with Bernardo Silva over the possibility of a new contract, sources have told Football Insider.
The Portuguese is out of contract next summer, with the Citizens are working to try and ensure that a resolution to that issue can be found in the coming months.
Silva has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia of late, but sources now say that Pep Guardiola is keen to keep him at the club and views him as one of the first names on the teamsheet.
The midfielder is expected to have plenty of others from elsewhere, both in January on a pre-contract agreement and as a potential free agent next summer, but it is understood that the City project remains very important to him.
Bernardo Silva playing for Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in 2025-26.
Credit: Imago
Bernardo Silva to be linchpin of Man City squad development
Silva’s future at Manchester City has been uncertain for several months now, and once he enters the final six months of his contract, he will be able to immediately negotiate with European clubs.
The ex-Monaco star is now the club captain at the Etihad Stadium, and has already started in 12 of his team’s 16 Premier League games so far this term.
Guardiola and Co. have regenerated the squad in recent years, with the likes of Ederson, Manuel Akanji, Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker all moving on in the summer.
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The likes of Rayan Cherki, Tijani Reinders and Gianluigi Donnarumma have all come in, giving this City team a refreshed feel for 2025-26.
However, with Guardiola still a huge admirer of Silva, he may be kept around to provide experience and continuity amidst all the other changes in personnel, which are likely to continue across the next few windows.
Man City manager Pep Guardiola
Credit: Imago
He plays a key role in the squad as captain, and could be set to remain as a linchpin within the dressing room as the change continues around him.
Man City to prepare for Oscar Bobb January departure
Former Manchester United scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Manchester City are prepared to let Oscar Bobb leave in January, with Crystal Palace keen to strike a deal for the youngster.
Oliver Glasner’s side are keen admirers of the Norwegian and are hoping to reach an agreement with City, with multiple avenues potentially open for a deal.
A loan is the most likely outcome at the moment, although a permanent move also cannot be ruled out.
City are prepared to let Bobb leave this winter, and at the moment, Palace are weighing up whether to take their interest any further.