Bernardo Silva
Madrid, Spain – October 21, 2025: Champions League match between Villarreal FC and Manchester City played in Villarreal. Manchester City players during the match.
Manchester City star Bernardo Silva continues to dominate transfer headlines in Portugal, with his expected departure at the end of the season becoming one of the country’s biggest talking points.
After nine seasons at the Etihad, the Portugal international is widely expected to move on. That has naturally fuelled strong links to several clubs. However, reports from Portugal are already drawing a firm line through one option.
According to A Bola, Benfica are completely out of the picture for now. The newspaper insists it can effectively “guarantee” that Silva will not return to his boyhood club in the short term, despite persistent rumours.
The outlet explains that the player is “outside the orbit” of the Lisbon side, and that position is clear on both sides. Benfica are not actively pursuing the deal, and Silva himself is not receptive to a return to Portugal at this stage.
Career stance and ambitions
Bernardo Silva’s position is described as being driven entirely by sporting ambition. The report makes clear that Benfica’s internal situation, including past elections and leadership, has no impact on the decision.
Instead, the midfielder remains focused on competing at the highest level abroad.
At 31, and turning 32 in August, Silva believes he still has several years left at elite level. While he may not have the same pace as earlier in his career, he is now seen as a more complete and experienced player.
Crucially, he still offers what top clubs demand – proven UEFA Champions League quality.
For that reason, he is targeting a move to another major league rather than returning home. A Bola stress that he wants to continue his career outside Portugal and secure another high-value contract.
Current estimates suggest he earns around €10m net per year (£8.7m) at Manchester City. Any new deal would need to come close to that figure, either through base salary or additional financial incentives.
The report is particularly strong in its wording. It states there is “no chance” of a Benfica return in the near future, dismissing comparisons with João Félix’s situation last summer.
Market options and contract scenario
White flag raised in battle to sign Manchester City's Bernardo Silva
White flag raised in battle to sign Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva
Bernardo Silva’s contract situation gives him full control over his next move. As it stands, he could leave Manchester City as a free agent, which only increases his appeal across the market.
Interest is widespread. Juventus are among the clubs most seriously linked, with La Gazzetta dello Sport reporting that the Italian side are considering offering a three-year contract.
The proposed salary would be lower, between €7m and €8m per year (£6.1m-£7m), but bonuses and a signing-on fee could offset the difference.
As covered previously, Juventus would need Champions League qualification to make such a deal viable. Without that income, the financial structure becomes difficult.
Galatasaray have also been mentioned as a concrete option. Meanwhile, Barcelona continue to be associated with Silva due to his technical profile and style of play.
Beyond Europe, the report notes that Saudi Arabia would welcome the player, while MLS interest – including from Inter Miami – has also been suggested.
What happens next
Bernardo Silva is entering a decisive moment in his career. With his contract running down, he has the freedom to choose both his destination and project.
For Manchester City, that raises uncertainty around a player who has been central to their success for nearly a decade. This season alone, he has made 30 Premier League appearances, recording two goals and four assists.
For Benfica, however, the message from Portugal is definitive. A return remains a long-term possibility, but for now it is completely off the table.
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