MANCHESTER – The long-standing transfer saga between Bernardo Silva and Barcelona may be reaching a disappointing end for the Catalan giants. With the Portuguese midfielder’s contract set to expire this summer, Manchester City have reportedly made a “u-turn” and are now preparing a new two-year deal to keep the 31-year-old at the Etihad Stadium.
The decision comes at the explicit request of Pep Guardiola. Despite interest from Blaugrana and Turkish giants Galatasaray, the City manager has personally intervened to ensure his tactical linchpin remains in Manchester.
The Guardiola Factor
According to TEAMtalk, Guardiola spoke directly with Bernardo to express how vital he remains to the squad’s future. Although his goal-scoring numbers have seen a slight dip, the manager still views the Portuguese international as an “irreplaceable” part of City’s midfield structure.
For Barcelona, who were hoping to land Silva on a free transfer due to their ongoing financial constraints, this news is a major blow. The club has chased the midfielder for several seasons, viewing this summer as their best opportunity to finally secure his signature.
Turkish Interest and Squad Rotation
The race for Silva also saw a surprise entry from Galatasaray. The Turkish club, emboldened by recent high-profile signings like Victor Osimhen and Leroy Sané, signaled their readiness to offer a massive financial package. However, Bernardo’s happiness in England makes a move to Istanbul unlikely at this stage.
More Movement at the Etihad
While Bernardo Silva looks set to stay, other names are heading toward the exit door. Omar Marmoush, who joined the club last season, has emerged as a top target for Fenerbahçe. The Egyptian forward has struggled for consistent minutes under Guardiola, recording only three goal involvements in 18 appearances this season.
As the World Cup approaches, Bernardo Silva remains a key figure for both club and country, with 32 appearances and five goal contributions already under his belt in the 2025/26 campaign.
Ronald Mike is a football writer covering the English Premier League, providing match analysis, tactical insight, and coverage of key rivalries and title races across the season.
