Bernardo Silva confirms decision on Manchester City future amid Barcelona interest

Bernardo Silva has confirmed he is set to stay at Manchester City this season after his side's 3-3 draw with Newcastle at the weekend.

In recent months, there have been question marks over the 28-year-old's future at the Etihad Stadium.

Barcelona are understood to be lining up a dream swoop for the Portugal international and would like Silva to replace Frenkie de Jong, who has attracted interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.

After failing to get his desired move closer to Portugal last summer, Silva was believed to be open to parting ways with Manchester City despite starring for Pep Guardiola's side to a fourth league title in five years.

There were further eyebrows raised when Silva was benched for City's recent Premier League games against West Ham and Bournemouth.

The Lisbon-born midfielder was last to leave the pitch following his cameo appearance against Bournemouth as he applauded the home fans for their support in his brief outing.

A great performance from the team and a fantastic atmosphere! I would also like to thank everyone at the stadium for those beautiful moments of love and support you guys showed me 💙 pic.twitter.com/H6OWz2Oh4b

— Bernardo Silva (@BernardoCSilva) August 14, 2022

However, a number of recent reports have stated Silva looks set to stay put at Manchester City this season.

The ex-Benfica man is believed to have softened his stance on leaving Pep Guardiola’s side - maintaining throughout he will remain professional as long as he wears sky blue.

Moreover, it seems too late for potential suitors to convince City into sanctioning a sale for a pivotal member of the squad with less than two weeks remaining in the transfer window.

Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with a late swoop but there are major doubts over whether either of the two can match City's asking price for Bernardo Silva.

After scoring and providing an assist on his return to the starting XI against Newcastle on Sunday, Silva has seemingly confirmed what his plans are for the current campaign.

“I'm happy at Manchester City. I'm doing my best to help the club. I'm very focused here," he said after City's entertaining 3-3 draw at St. James' Park.

Bernardoooooooooo! 🎶💙 pic.twitter.com/XV2tEt7fsh

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) August 21, 2022

Silva has travelled with the Manchester City squad to Spain as Guardiola's men prepare to face Barcelona in a charity friendly on Wednesday.

He set up Ilkay Gundogan for the opener at the weekend and picked up a delicious through ball from Kevin De Bruyne to draw City level in the second half.

City return to England on Thursday ahead of a visit from Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday.

A content and determined Bernardo Silva is welcome news for the club going forward as he showcased against Newcastle with a sparkling display in his first league start of the season.