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Bernardo Silva transfer news: Midfielder considers new Manchester City contract
The Portuguese star had been a key target for Barcelona but the LaLiga champions have not yet been able to submit a formal bid for the player.
Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva looks set to re-sign with the Premier League champions after a proposed move to Barcelona has fallen through.
Barcelona are known to be admirers of the Portuguese midfielder and the player had indicated that he was open to a move to the Spanish champions. However Barça are still treading a financial tightrope and have not yet submitted a formal bid for Silva.
This summer Barcelona have signed Ilkay Gundogan and Inigo Martinez on free transfers, and Oriol Romeu for €3.4 million ($3.7m). Last year they spent big on the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, but resorted to utilising a number of financial ‘levers’ for a short-term cash injection.
Manchester City have insisted that Silva is not for sale and would likely demand at least £70 million ($89m) for the player if he were to push for a move. Silva’s current deal expires in the summer of 2025.
Mundo Deportivo report that Silva’s team have told Barcelona that they have “one or two days more” to submit a formal offer. With Barcelona unable to make an offer for that amount, Silva may well decide to pledge his future to City on improved terms.
Barcelona have already signed former Manchester City captain Gundogan, but AS USA reported recently that he could be allowed to leave unless his registration is finalised promptly. As it stands, Gundogan has not been added to the Barcelona squad list due to a lack of space in the club’s budget.
Unless Barcelona can register him in time to play in their opening LaLiga fixture on Saturday 12 August, Gundogan will be free to find a new club.