Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has played down suggestions that star midfielder Bernardo Silva could join Barcelona this summer.
The 27-year-old was a key cog in the Spaniard’s City machine in 2021-22, scoring 13 goals and registering seven assists in 50 appearances across all competitions.
Silva’s future, however, has come into question as he admitted earlier this year that he requested to leave the Etihad Stadium last summer, only for Guardiola to convince him to stay.
Barcelona are believed to be one of a number of top European clubs who are closely monitoring Silva’s situation, with one report claiming that they have identified the Portugal international as a replacement for Frenkie de Jong, who has been heavily linked with Manchester United.
However, Guardiola told reporters on Monday, via journalist Reshad Rahman, that the Catalan giants “will have a difficult time” persuading Man City to sell Silva in this summer’s transfer window.
Man City appeared quite lenient during Barcelona’s negotiations to sign Ferran Torres. But they are not willing to do them a favour over the signing of Bernardo Silva, who had played a vital role in the club’s Premier League triumph this past season.
With Ilkay Gundogan facing an uncertain future at Etihad, Guardiola is determined to keep hold of the Portuguese international. Romano claims the Man City coach had played a key role in convincing him to stay last summer and he could do the same once again.
These Guardiola’s comments were shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.
“That’s what I needed to hear. Thanks Pep.”
Credit: @MtMcfc
“In other words, they can’t afford him 😂.”
Credit: @TheRealMoh23
“I told you. The player wants to stay at the club, the club wants him to stay, Bernardo won’t move from Manchester.”
Credit: @ArthurMolesteur
“This gives me hope that he won’t bend over for them and give him up, he better not be lying.”
Credit: @amir7iqbal_amir
“Bernado silva ain’t going nowhere.”
Credit: @P4trick_Jr
“The decision MUST be Bernado’s only. We should tell him we want him to stay, but if he wants to leave we should not stand in his way.”
Credit: @tonywild19
