Barcelona target Manchester City for 2023 summer transfer - Player informed of plan

One of the recent summer windows’ most inescapable transfer sagas was that of Bernardo Silva’s rumoured switch to Barcelona.

It was heavily reported that the Catalan heavyweights were keen on a move for the Manchester City midfielder, with Frenkie de Jong mooted to be leaving the club.

Camp Nou boss Xavi was speculated as being a huge admirer of the Portuguese international, even publicly expressing his affinity towards the player.

“Who doesn’t like Bernardo Silva? He’s an important player for Pep (Guardiola) and (Manchester) City," the former Barcelona midfielder said.

"But yes, I love him as a player.

"He understands everything and has an amazing ability to make decisions."

He continued, "He’s a very important player for Pep and he makes a difference on the pitch."

For the longest time, it seemed as if the 28-year-old was open to joining the Spanish giants as well, after a transfer was most certainly on the cards in the summer of 2021.

Considering Manchester City’s internal policy of letting unsettled players leave, many felt that it was only a matter of time before Bernardo Silva joined Barcelona.

However, as time went on and the club failed to both get their own finances in order, as well as the difficulties of finding a buyer for Frenkie de Jong, City were even more unwilling to let the midfield maestro leave.

With the pressure of having to sign a replacement right before the closure of the transfer window, Pep Guardiola’s side ultimately decided to keep a hold of the four-time Premier League champion.

Despite the player reportedly being content at staying put at the Etihad Stadium, a new revelation suggests that a transfer could well get over the line in the near future.

As per a report by Graeme Bailey of 90Min, Barcelona remain interested in signing Bernardo Silva, as they intend to reignite their interest for the midfielder next summer.

Interestingly, it has also been mentioned that the prospect of a bid to prise away the former AS Monaco star from East Manchester cannot be ruled out in January.

However, this suggestion does not align with the reports that have stated that as far as the current campaign goes, the Manchester City star is firmly focused on enjoying yet another successful season with his current club.

While it is unlikely that City let a player of Bernardo Silva’s calibre depart the club upon the turn of the year, it is expected that Barcelona will try their hand at signing him once again in the summer of 2023.