Despite the transfer window kicking off less than a fortnight ago, it seems as if Manchester City are already in for one of their busiest summers in recent years.
Erling Haaland’s long-awaited switch to the Etihad Stadium was finally announced earlier this month, as the Norwegian international joined Julian Alvarez from River Plate to comprise Manchester City’s new-look strike force.
On the outgoings front, the now-former skipper Fernandinho departed the club on a high after lifting his fifth Premier League title, while several other outgoings may be on the cards as well.
Gabriel Jesus’ move to Arsenal seems like a matter of when and not if, while Oleksandr Zinchenko and Raheem Sterling may bid farewell to the Sky Blues in an attempt to secure more game time next season and beyond.
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Another name that could be headed out of Manchester is Bernardo Silva, as Barcelona have come calling once again.
Blaugrana president Joan Laporta went as far as to cheekily ask Pep Guardiola whether the 27-year old was set to partake in Juan Carlos Unzue’s charity match between Barcelona and Manchester City towards the end of August.
While the Spanish giants’ interest was initially all paper talk, this was an indication that it was certainly one of the worst kept secrets in football.
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It has been widely claimed that the club’s plan is to finance a move for Bernardo Silva by recuperating a fee in the region of €60 million from Frenkie de Jong’s potential transfer to Manchester United this summer.
However, new details from Spain reveal how close the deal is at present and just how much Xavi’s side will have to put on the table to prise away the Sky Blues lynchpin.
As per the latest information provided by journalists Toni Juanmarti and Albert Roge, neither Bernardo Silva’s entourage nor Barcelona have taken any steps to initiate any negotiations about the transfer with Manchester City.
Additionally, it has also been mentioned that the ‘starting price’ to secure the services of the Portuguese superstar is said to be €100 million - as set by Manchester City officials.
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It is key to remember that the Catalan giants’ summer window is not merely built on Bernardo Silva’s potential arrival.
The club have been strongly speculated with moves for the likes of Bayern Munich’s star forward Robert Lewandowski, Leeds’ Raphinha, and Sevilla’s Jules Kounde.
With such high-profile targets in place, Manchester City's whopping €100 million asking price could lead to Barcelona waving the white flag in their pursuit for Bernardo Silva's signature.
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One school of thought is that if the Spanish side put the desired offer on the table, Pep Guardiola will allow the player to leave as he is known not to keep discontented players around the City squad.
On the other hand, the potential outgoings of Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Raheem Sterling could force Manchester City to stamp their authority regarding the Bernardo Silva situation.
With the midfield maestro’s deal set to expire in 2025, he could be asked to stay as a summer where the boat is rocked to this extent could hamper the Sky Blues’ lofty ambitions next season.
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Topics: Manchester City, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Barcelona, Bernardo Silva, Premier League, Football, Transfers, La Liga
Srinivas Sadhanand