Bernardo Silva is nearing the end of his contract with Manchester City and speculation about his future has been simmering over the course of the 2025-26 season
Manchester City's Portuguese midfielder #20 Bernardo Silva lifts the trophy as City players celebrate after the English League Cup final football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in London on March 22, 2026. City won the game 2-0. (Photo by Adrian Dennis/AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications.
Manchester City's Portuguese midfielder #20 Bernardo Silva lifts the trophy as City players celebrate after the English League Cup final football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in London on March 22, 2026. City won the game 2-0. (Photo by Adrian Dennis/AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications.
View 2 Images
Bernardo Silva has reportedly informed Manchester City that he will leave at the end of this season. Silva, 31, is out of contract in June and plans to sign for a new club on a free transfer.
The Portuguese has been at the Etihad since the summer of 2017, making him City's third-longest serving player behind John Stones and Phil Foden. Silva lifted his first trophy as captain earlier this month, as Pep Guardiola's side pulled off an impressive 2-0 win against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final.
Rested by Portugal for the ongoing international break, the former Monaco star has used the time to make a decision on his hot-button future. Multiple outlets across Europe are reporting that Silva has told City chiefs that he doesn't want to be offered a new contract.
The 31-year-old's priority is to remain in Europe, with Barcelona and Juventus leading the race to sign him. Alongside Turkish giants Galatasaray, clubs in Major League Soccer and the Saudi Pro League have also registered their interest.
Author avatar
Author avatar
Silva has enjoyed a glittering nine-year spell with City, winning the Premier League title six times. He could make it seven in May, although City would need to chase down Arsenal's nine-point lead. The two teams will meet at the Etihad on April 19, while Guardiola's men have a game in hand at home to Crystal Palace which remains unscheduled.
Silva has had opportunities to leave City over the years, with Paris Saint-Germain known admirers. But Guardiola has always held him in high regard.
In November, the City boss was asked where Silva ranks among the best players he's ever coached, to which Guardiola replied: "Top, high. One of the best. He can do everything.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 9: Pep Guardiola Manager/Head Coach of Manchester City celebrates with Bernardo Silva of Manchester City at full time following the 3-0 victory during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Etihad Stadium on November 9, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Pep Guardiola describes Bernardo Silva as his 'weakness'(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
View 2 Images
"He doesn't score too many goals or is not involved in all the assists, he has never done that, but he gives us and himself something that is not in the stats, and a lot of things that are incredibly valuable to us. Absolutely one of the best players I have ever trained in my career."
City return to action on Saturday by hosting Liverpool for a mouth-watering FA Cup quarter-final clash. After that, they'll make the visit to Chelsea and resume their Premier League title pursuit.