Bernardo Silva has decided to continue his career at Manchester City and has accepted the offer to extend his contract that will keep him at the club until 2025. Despite Xavi Hernández’s desire to strengthen FC Barcelona’s attacking line, the The Portugal international has opted to stay with the reigning Champions League winners, ending speculation about his future.
As MundoDeportivo report, the Portugal midfielder, who recently celebrated his 29th birthday on August 10, initially opened the door to a possible summer transfer to Barcelona. However, Pep Guardiola’s convincing charm and Barcelona’s financial difficulties in managing a major transfer have influenced Bernardo Silva’s decision to remain at City.
Guardiola is determined to keep the player as an important part of his squad and has managed to land Bernardo Silva as a key element of his project at the Etihad Stadium. Despite the fact that Santpedor’s manager promised last year to let Bernardo go if a suitable offer arrives, it’s not a convincing proposition so far. For Barcelona, the financial challenge of generating sufficient resources through a significant transfer has hampered their plans to acquire the player.
De Bruyne’s injury changes everything
Despite Paris Saint-Germain also expressing interest in Bernardo Silva, the midfielder had only one option in mind: Barcelona. Kevin de Bruyne’s injury with a likely absence of three to four months has added a new element to the equation, increasing Bernardo’s importance in City’s plan and justifying the upgrade of his contract, especially after the side’s historic treble last season.