It would not be an outlandish assumption to suggest that Manchester City supporters collectively breathed a sigh of relief during the 2021/22 season when looking back at Bernardo Silva nearing an exit last summer.
The Portuguese international - who was heavily speculated with making a switch to Spain - eventually ended up staying in Manchester, and went on to emerge as arguably the club’s outstanding player as they successfully defended their Premier League title.
While City fans would unanimously state that Bernardo Silva’s all-conquering presence in the middle of the park is next to irreplaceable, the rumour mill has gone into overdrive as the 27-year old has been heavily linked with an exit once again this summer.
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However, a new revelation has been made which indicates that there is more than what meets the eye in relation to the midfield maestro’s potential farewell.
As per a report by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Bernardo Silva and Pep Guardiola share a ‘pact’ which allows the player to depart Manchester City this summer, if the club receives a ‘high sum’ in exchange.
The club in question that have especially been speculated with targeting the former AS Monaco star’s signature is Barcelona, who may be able to loosen their purse strings this summer as Frenkie de Jong looks set for a move, with Manchester United the most likely destination at present.
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The ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano had also stated that in a meeting with Barcelona and Bernardo Silva’s super-agent Jorge Mendes, the Manchester City fan favourite’s name was mentioned.
In addition, the Lisbon-born midfielder was also recently quizzed about a potential switch to Catalonia, as he played down the speculation by saying, “Unfortunately, I won't be able to answer, because I'm at the service of the national team and super focused on the last game.”
While many would love to speculate about the existence of a secret pact between Bernardo Silva and Pep Guardiola in the event that the player ends up leaving Manchester City this summer, it may be difficult for some to find truth in such a story when it is widely known that the Catalan coach was largely responsible in convincing the player to stay in East Manchester at the start of the season.
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Topics: Bernardo Silva, Manchester City, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Barcelona, Pep Guardiola, Transfers, Football