Bernardo Silva’s next club looks likely to be in Spain, with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid both pushing for his signature. Despite doubts over Flick’s desire to sign him, he would help to balance out the squad at his disposal.
Silva has reportedly decided to postpone his decision on his future until after the World Cup, after announcing his departure as a free agent from Manchester City. The 32-year-old has long been linked with Barcelona, but this summer it looked perhaps unlikely, with the Blaugrana well-stocked in terms of midfielders. Hence Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has told Sporting Director Deco that players must leave before Silva can come in.
Bernardo Silva provides crucial trait for Hansi Flick
One of the things that Flick is reportedly keen to sign this summer is experience. With Robert Lewandowski leaving, it means Flick will be without his elder statesman in the squad, and Flick has often spoken about the fact Lewandowski was an example to younger players and helped set the standards. Now the most veteran players would be Andreas Christensen and Wojciech Szczesny, neither having key roles.
As pointed out by Marca, Silva would provide the experience that Flick would like to be able to count on. After nine years at City, he has been at the top of the game for some time, and can no doubt set the tone in defence.
Does signing Bernardo Silva make sense for Barcelona?
As noted above, in terms of squad personality, Silva could be a major plus for Flick and Barcelona. Yet it is also true that there is no natural role for him in the Barcelona midfield. At the number 10 position, Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez and Raphinha are battling it out for game time, while behind them, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Marc Bernal and Pedri are doing the same. The one place that he could occupy is on the right wing, as a back-up for Lamine Yamal, but as Roony Bardghji has evidenced this year, if the Spain international is fit, that consists of few minutes.