After several summers of near-departures, the latest Bernardo Silva transfer news indicates that he is reportedly set to be finally allowed to leave the Etihad Stadium.
According to Football Insider, Manchester City will accept offers over £50m for their 29-year-old star.
Comfortably one of the best midfielders in the world today, Silva is a superb player and will be sorely missed by Pep Guardiola, who has relied on his quality and versatility for seven seasons now.
He will be wanted across Europe’s top clubs, but PSG are expected to lead the chase for the Portuguese international.
Bernardo Silva to PSG would be a shrewd decision
After a years-long saga, Kylian Mbappé is set to finally depart Paris Saint-Germain, heralding the end of Les Parisiens’ ‘Galactico’ era.
Despite winning 10 of the last 12 Ligue 1 titles, PSG’s ultimate goal of winning the Champions League has gone unsatisfied, despite the exorbitantly expensive signings of Lionel Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Neymar, Mbappé and many others.
Under the guidance of manager Luis Enrique and sporting director Luis Campos, PSG are now looking to build a more cohesive collective with a clearly defined identity and more use of their productive academy.
Admittedly, Bernardo Silva does not command the same star power as some of the names mentioned above, but has been a key part of one of the most dominant footballing machines in recent history, and has incredible footballing gifts.
Silva would thus be a strong role model for the crop of young players that PSG will look to sign to begin their new era. His blend of technical perfection, versatility and incredible workrate would set the perfect example.
His versatility only adds to the sense that he could be a fantastic on-field mentor. In short, he has played everywhere for Guardiola: spearheading a false nine, deputising as a wide playmaker, slotting in as a traditional number ten or number eight and even operating at left-back.
Leaving Manchester City on a high
Given his age, Silva is likely looking for the last big contract of his impressive career.
At 29, he has a prime opportunity to leave the now four-year English champions on a high. Overall, the former AS Monaco man has made 352 appearances in sky blue, scoring 66 and assisting 65.
He has won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League in the process. And that could even get one trophy richer this weekend, with City going into Saturday's FA Cup final as clear favourites against a Man United side in disarray.
