Pep Guardiola and Manchester City are not messing about when it comes to their summer transfer business.
The club confirmed the departures of four players yesterday, with Gael Clichy, Jesus Navas, Willy Caballero and Bacary Sagna all released by the club following the expiration of their contracts.
And almost out of nowhere, City are moving swiftly to seal a deal for their first incoming of the summer, with Monaco's Bernardo Silva in Manchester for a medical ahead of a move.
The Benfica youth product was heavily linked with a move to the red side of Manchester, but Jose Mourinho quashed talk of a deal, and now a flurry of reports have indicated that City will be having a second left-footed genius with the Silva surname in their squad next season.
Image: PA
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Silva, 22, played an integral part in Monaco's Ligue One title-winning campaign, and was also instrumental in their run to the Champions League semi- finals.
He was particularly impressive over both legs against his next employers Manchester City in the 6-6 round of 16 win which saw Monaco progress on away goals. The Portugal international registered an assist for Kylian Mbappe in the second leg, but the piece of play that encapsulated what Silva was about took place in his new home at the Etihad stadium.
Image: PA
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In the first half, Bernardo nipped past his namesake and fellow left-footed magician David Silva courtesy of some fancy footwork, shrugged off Leroy Sane, cheekily nutmegged a seasoned professional in Yaya Toure and set up a Monaco attack by threading through an inch-perfect pass for Radamel Falcao to latch onto.
Watch that delightful piece of play here:
Manchester City fans will no doubt be anticipating more of the same from their soon-to-be announced signing next season.
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Pep Guardiola heaped praise on Silva before their Champions League clash with Monaco, referring to him as "intelligent, physically strong" and a "fantastic player", as per the Manchester Evening News.
City could well be signing another Monaco player this summer, with links to left-back Benjamin Mendy, who also impressed against the Blues, really heating up.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Manchester City, Bernardo Silva