Barcelona are once again monitoring the situation of Bernardo Silva ahead of the summer transfer window, with the midfielder preparing to leave Manchester City at the end of the season.
According to reports in the Daily Mail, Barcelona and Juventus have both explored the financial details surrounding a possible deal for the Portuguese international, who is will become available on a free transfer this summer.
As per the outlet, one thing that appears certain is that Silva will not return to Benfica this summer.
This is because he believes he still has several years left competing at the highest level and wants to continue playing for a Champions League club.
The player himself has already made it clear he wants clarity over his future soon.
“I want to decide on my next club before the World Cup,” he says when asked about his future.
Bernardo Silva fits Barcelona’s financial reality
Bernardo Silva, Manchester City player
Bernardo Silva does not wish to return to Portugal. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Barcelona’s admiration for Silva is nothing new, as the midfielder has been linked with the club for years, and it is said that he still dreams of wearing the Blaugrana shirt.
Barcelona’s current economic situation makes experienced free agents especially attractive in the market, and Silva fits that profile perfectly.
The Portuguese international would arrive without a transfer fee, something extremely valuable for a club still carefully managing finances and wage structures.
His experience, versatility and technical quality also make him a profile that could adapt naturally to Hansi Flick’s football ideas.
Silva can operate in multiple midfield and attacking roles while also bringing leadership and Champions League experience to a relatively young squad.
Now is the time
Bernardo Silva, Manchester City player
Bernardo Silva wants to play for Barcelona. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
For years, a move between Barcelona and Bernardo Silva has felt like one of those transfers that always seemed possible but never happened.
This summer, however, the circumstances are different.
Barcelona would not need to negotiate a transfer fee, as the player remains interested in the project and he is actively looking to resolve his future quickly before the World Cup.
Opportunities like that do not appear often in the current market.
At the same time, though, Barcelona must also consider the balance of the squad carefully, as he is already an experienced player approaching the later stages of his peak years.