Manchester City are braced for a summer of transformation, with some of their most experienced players eyeing the exit, potentially alongside manager Pep Guardiola
Bernardo Silva, Rodri and Erling Haaland of Manchester City lifts the Carabao Cup
Bernardo Silva and Rodri could both leave Manchester City this summer(Image: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
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Bernardo Silva's agent Jorge Mendes has reportedly already embarked upon convincing Barcelona to sign his client in the summer transfer window. Silva's Manchester City contract is due to expire at the end of June and it appears likely that he could leave on a free transfer.
The 31-year-old midfielder has been a key player for City almost ever since joining from Monaco in 2017 and was made captain by Pep Guardiola at the start of the season after the departure of Kevin de Bruyne. But this summer could be one of major change for City, with Guardiola's future the subject of much speculation, and Silva could also move on.
The Portugal international has made 449 appearances for City, all of which have come under Guardiola's management, and stands alongside the likes of De Bruyne, Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany and David Silva as modern-day City greats. However, he has only contributed three goals and five assists this season and there have been no indications that a new deal is forthcoming.
Mendes has therefore set his sights on Barcelona as a destination for his client. He has a good relationship with newly re-elected Barca president Joan Laporta and Sport says Mendes has already set about lobbying manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco for Silva.
Although he would be available as a free agent once his City deal expires on June 30, there are some hurdles to clear for Silva, who would command a sizable wage. Barca have been dealing with well-publicised financial problems and also have a wealth of top midfielders at their disposal already.
If Mendes does work his magic, then Silva could be moving to La Liga alongside City team-mate Rodri, who has been linked with Real Madrid. Despite joining City from Real's rivals Atletico Madrid in 2019, the Spain international is open to joining Los Blancos. Rodri has less than 18 months remaining on his contract and has openly courted Real recently.
"I’d like to return, yes, obviously," Rodri said this week when asked about returning to Spain. "For me, La Liga is where I started. I still follow it, it’s true not as much as before, but I still follow it.
Rodri
Rodri has openly courted Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)
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"And I have to admit that the Premier League is my weakness. I think it’s a thrilling league but at the same time very demanding, meaning it pushes you to the limit. I’ve been there for seven years now, and I’m noticing the passage of time, but for the moment I’m very happy there.
"I’m currently recovering from an injury, and what worries me right now is my feeling, my level, how to get back to my previous level. Not the contract issue, that will come, especially with a World Cup coming up, which is crucial for reaching my level.
"Right now I’m free, well, obviously I have a year left on my contract, obviously there will be a point where we’ll have to sit down and talk, have a conversation."
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