After Anthony Gordon, FC Barcelona are now inching close to completing their second signing of the summer.
Indeed, according to journalist Santi Aouna, the Blaugrana are very close to securing the services of departing Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva.
Contract until 2028
Silva will be a free agent this summer, with his contract at Manchester City expiring on 30 June and his departure already announced.
Barcelona have been long-time admirers of the Portuguese international and even though Hansi Flick needed some convincing, they have decided to press ahead with the free-transfer signing of the 31-year-old.
Bernardo Silva of Manchester City
Bernardo close to Barcelona. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
As per the report, Silva is expected to sign a two-year contract with Barça until 2028 with an option for an additional year.
The La Liga champions are working with super-agent Jorge Mendes to finalise the remaining details of the deal, with reports suggesting that the playmaker will earn a salary of around €8 million per year.
Silva snubs Atletico Madrid
Apart from Barcelona, Atletico Madrid have also shown a very strong interest in signing Silva on a free transfer.
Bernardo Silva of Manchester City
Set to fulfil his dream. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
In fact, as per the aforementioned report, the Rojiblancos’ contract offer is financially better than what Barcelona have presented.
However, the 31-year-old Portuguese ace has always dreamed of playing for the Catalan giants and will reject Atletico in order to move to the Spotify Camp Nou.
Silva’s ability to play on the wings and in midfield, coupled with his age, experience, and winning mentality, will make him a very useful signing for Barcelona, especially with the club having lost a veteran player in Robert Lewandowski this summer.