‘Massive downgrade’ – Many fans saying the same thing as Man City eye €80m Star as potential Bernardo Silva replacement

Manchester City fans have been reacting to a post on Twitter which relays a report that claims the club is considering a move for Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Lucas Paquetá in the event of an exit for Bernardo Silva.

The Portuguese midfielder is under contract until 2025 but has been keen to leave since last summer and Jorge Mendes is working to find him a way out of the Etihad.

Manchester City want to keep Bernardo Silva, that much is clear. But they are aware the player himself may want a new challenge as a result, they have identified replacements in case he does leave the club.

According to Fabrizio Romano via his Here we go podcast, in case Bernardo Silva leaves this summer, Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Lucas Paquetá is one of the options being monitored.

Paqueta has shone for Lyon in Ligue 1, and drawn the attention of many top suitors in England, with Arsenal and Newcastle being the clubs showing the most interest.

Paqueta joined Lyon from AC Milan two years ago and has since scored 21 goals in all competitions. He was named in Ligue 1’s Team of the Year after his debut season in France and was part of the Brazil squad that won the Copa America on home soil in 2019.

Lyon are reportedly struggling financially and may need to sanction some sales this summer. As per Goal, Lyon would like to receive £67m (€80m) in cash for the sale of the Brazilian, who has prominent stints in Flamengo and Milan. 

If Bernardo does in fact end up leaving Manchester, with the Portuguese coming as arguably irreplaceable, Paqueta could be an interesting option.

The report was shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from Man City supporters.

“In case?? We are only a few days from the start of the season without a LB and 15 first team players. And you are willing to let go of one of our most important players just like that?”
Credit: @IRe_7R

“would be the biggest downgrade I’ve seen at the club In a while.”
Credit: @hlonela_tanda

“Now thats a downgrade”
Credit: @AFPM_16

“That would be a stinky downgrade. Good player but a massive downgrade.”
Credit: @JakeGrindey

“Not a bad replacement, he is not as a working machine as Bernardo. But I’m positive he can give as much as Bernardo.”
Credit: @El_Albicelestes

“Would like to keep Bernardo but paqueta would be amazing here.”
Credit: @MCFCnish

“If we sell Bernardo, this gotta be one of the worst transfer windows of all time I don’t care who we sign”
Credit: @Jxck__10

“I like Paqueta don’t get me wrong but Bernardo is on another level.”
Credit: @Black_jack773

“I’ll take paqueta all day long but not as a Bernardo replacement because he’s staying but he can be our Gundogan replacement in future”
Credit: @FodenCTID