Pep Guardiola faces a defining summer at Manchester City.
The Spaniard signed himself up for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 campaigns after penning a new contract in November 2024 – although work must be done this summer to ensure those seasons are successful.
Recruitment plans already seem to be underway, with Manchester City telling Jack Grealish and six other senior players they are free to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer – according to Sky Sports – as Hugo Viana attempts to freshen up the squad.
That report also mentioned Bernardo Silva – a potential sale which would see Pep Guardiola break a promise to Manchester City fans, if an exit materialises.
What Pep Guardiola said about Bernardo Silva in 2018
Back in February 2018, the man born in Santpedor assured Manchester City supporters that the Portugal international would not leave the Etihad Stadium while he remains in charge.
The Manchester Evening News quoted Guardiola as saying: “When he played he’s played top. He’s a young guy, he’s a guy in the locker room who we are so happy to have here. He’ll stay a long time, while I’m here he will not move on, he will stay with me.
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“I haven’t seen him sad, even for one day – always in a good mood, and you cannot imagine how important that is.”
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Now – however – that aforementioned story by Sky Sports named Bernardo as one of seven senior players Manchester City want to offload this summer, so Guardiola could break his promise.
Some Manchester City fans might not be bothered about Bernardo Silva leaving
While Guardiola could go back on his word, we doubt some supporters will care.
Manchester City fans were furious with Bernardo after the 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, after he delivered another ineffective performance.
The Manchester City No.20 has only scored two goals and provided four assists in 25 Premier League appearances so far this season – which is very low for a player of his obvious ability.
Stop that, @BernardoCSilva! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/at5zWaF3JI
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 14, 2023
Gary Lineker even said he feels Bernardo’s legs have gone as he approaches his 31st birthday – a comment you can’t really argue against on the basis of his performances this season.
With just over 12 months remaining on his contract, this summer would certainly be a good time to sell the man born in Lisbon.