According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, FC Barcelona will try and sign Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva during the ongoing transfer window.
He had 15 goal contributions in 55 appearances last campaign but after winning 14 trophies in six seasons, the Portugal international is ready for a new challenge. Bernardo Silva was one of the key performers in the treble-winning season for MCFC but the midfielder has shown a desire to leave City in order to play at Camp Nou next season.
Barca also share the same feeling as they have been trying to land the Portuguese midfielder for two years and they will look to do the same this summer as well.
However, things are not turning out to be so easy because Bernardo Silva has two more years remaining on his contract and MCFC want a transfer fee of around €80 million.
City’s asking price is exactly what Silva’s current market valuation is and this is the major stumbling block for FCB. Barcelona are in financial turmoil right now so there’s no way they can afford to pay such a crazy fee for the 28-year-old.
Will Barcelona have to give up their chase for Bernardo Silva?
Barcelona know that Manchester City are not in the mood to lower their demands but nevertheless, the Spanish side will still try and make formal contact with City.
Silva is Xavi’s priority number one and as per some reports Barca are going to try for a loan deal with an obligation to buy next summer. They feel an obligation to buy clause will be enough to convince Manchester City and in turn, help get Xavi his man.
Pep Guardiola has already lost Gundogan so he does not wish to lose Bernardo Silva in the same transfer window as well but the midfielder wishes to leave and this is a big issue for the MCFC manager.
Barcelona’s offer for a loan move could be the game changer but Silva is also wanted by Saudi club Al-Hilal and they are willing to offer around €70 million.
This is not the figure Man City are demanding but it’s not bad given the other option that are on offer right now. Plus, Barcelona won’t be able to match this figure either – not at least this summer.
One in hand is better than two in the bush for Manchester City which means they could take the €70 million from Al-Hilal and be happy instead of hoping to get €80 million from FC Barcelona next year.
Barcelona will not be able to fight with the cash-rich Saudi team but they will surely not give up hope because Bernardo Silva wants to play for them and the midfielder’s choice will be a deciding factor in this transfer.
