After failing to replicate the heights from his incredible personal campaign in 2018/19, Bernardo Silva’s stock had plummeted in the average football fans' eyes.
With a reported desire to reunite with friends and family after spending the Covid-19 lockdown in East Manchester, a dip in the 27-year-old’s performances was evident.
However, Silva’s revival was ultimately for all to witness last term as he arguably enjoyed his best-ever season in a Manchester City shirt.
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So much so that many claimed that the Portuguese international’s wondrous displays merited him the title of being the best midfielder in the world.
Despite the decorated superstar winning the English top-flight for the fourth time in five seasons, he has been linked with a transfer to Barcelona.
None other than Xavi is reportedly a huge admirer of the ex-Monaco star, eyeing him as a replacement for Frenkie de Jong - who has been tipped to join Manchester United for the past couple of months.
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With the Catalan side understood to be keen on offloading the Dutchman to make their wage bill more sustainable moving forward, the Sky Blues lynchpin is considered as the ideal replacement in midfield next term.
Additionally, Barcelona have activated their third economic lever, which allows them to fund the potential arrival of Silva.
While all the murmurs around Silva have suggested that he is content at City, it has also been stated that he would not rule out a switch to the Spanish juggernaut.
Keeping that in mind, a new update suggests the contingency plan in place at the Etihad Stadium in the event that the all-encompassing departs for pastures new.
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As per the latest information provided by transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Lucas Paqueta is one of the options being monitored by City if Silva decides to leave the club this summer.
Since joining Lyon in 2020, the Brazilian has emerged as one of Ligue 1’s standout midfielders and one of the most sought-after creators in European football.
This summer alone, Arsenal were reportedly eyeing his signature, due to his unique ability of thriving both behind the striker as well as in a deeper role.
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While Paqueta’s ability cannot be put into question, it would be a surprise to see City bank on him replacing arguably the club’s most irreplaceable player in Silva, without even being integrated into the side in pre-season.
City and Guardiola have always made it clear that unhappy players are allowed to leave the club if an accepted offer is presented.
However, this close the season and the end of the transfer window, it is unlikely City would sanction the sale of one of their most valuable players.
City replaced the departing Fernandinho with Kalvin Phillips this summer, but losing another midfielder would leave them slightly light in that department.
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Especially if a player of Silva's quality was to walk out of the door.
Featured Image Credit: Independent Photo Agency / AlamyTopics: Manchester City, Lyon, Premier League, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours