Transfer Centre

Joan Laporta 'in talks with Bernardo Silva agent over summer deal'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 10 July 2022

Barcelona president Joan Laporta is in talks with Bernardo Silva's agent over a possible move for the Manchester City attacker, according to a report.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta is reportedly in discussions with Bernardo Silva's agent over a possible move for the Manchester City attacker during this summer's transfer window.

The Catalan outfit are attempting to complete big-money deals for Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski and Leeds United's Raphinha despite their financial problems.

However, the proposed sale of Frenkie de Jong to Manchester United would give the club room for manoeuvre, and more new signings are expected before the summer window closes for business.

Bernardo is also being strongly linked with a switch to Camp Nou, and a recent report claimed that the Portugal international had told his agent to open talks over a move to Xavi's side.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Laporta and the player's agent Jorge Mendes have now held discussions over a possible deal for the playmaker during the current market.

Manchester City's Bernardo Silva pictured on March 15, 2022 © Reuters

The report claims that Barcelona want to pay Man City a smaller upfront fee for Bernardo with the rest of the money being received by the Citizens in instalments over the next few seasons.

The Premier League champions have already allowed Gabriel Jesus to move to Arsenal this summer, while Raheem Sterling is believed to be on the verge of securing a switch to Chelsea.

Erling Braut Haaland and Julian Alvarez will boost Man City's attacking options for next season, but it remains to be seen whether head coach Pep Guardiola is prepared to part with Bernardo.

The 27-year-old has been a key player for Man City since his arrival from Monaco in July 2017, making 249 appearances in all competitions, contributing 48 goals and 50 assists.

The Portuguese was again a vital player for Guardiola's side last term, scoring 13 goals and registering seven assists in 50 appearances, and he still has three years left to run on his contract.

Manchester City's Bernardo Silva in action with Chelsea's Mateo Kovacic on September 25, 2021 © Reuters

Bernardo is believed to be unsettled in England, though, and he attempted to leave Man City during last summer's transfer window.

"Bernardo Silva wants to leave. There are two or three players who want to go. When they bring some offer and they want to leave, we are open to discuss... but it depends on them," Guardiola told reporters last summer.

Meanwhile, the attacker told Channel 11 earlier this year: "I miss Portugal a lot. If I could go back in a year or two, I would. Not only because I would like to play for Benfica again, but because I miss my family and living in Portugal very much."

Any deal for Bernardo would depend on Barcelona selling De Jong, and the Dutchman's proposed move to Man United has stalled, but the Red Devils are still believed to be confident of signing him.

"As of today, in my opinion, I think Bernardo Silva will continue with us next season. Our goal, as a club, is for him to stay with us. This is our intention, although I don't like to keep players that are unhappy," Guardiola told reporters last month when asked about the playmaker's future.

Bernardo has won four Premier League titles, one FA Cup and four League Cup crowns since making the move to the Etihad Stadium from Monaco in 2017.