Manchester City’s squad refresh this summer continues, as FC Barcelona try to find a way to sign Bernardo Silva.
However, the two clubs remain far apart in their valuation of the midfielder.
Silva has cemented himself as a key player for Pep Guardiola’s squad since signing for City from Monaco in 2017, for a reported fee of £45 million.
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In the five years since joining the Blues, the 27-year-old has racked up a tally of 48 goals and 50 assists in 249 appearances.
Throughout the summer of 2021, Silva was strongly linked with a move away from the Etihad to La Liga giants, Barcelona, with many of the rumblings pointing to the fact that the Covid-19 lockdown motivated the midfielder to practise his trade closer to his home country of Portugal.
In the end, no fee was agreed on between the clubs and Silva remained a City player, where he excelled in the 2021/22 campaign, playing a crucial role in the club’s Premier League title win.
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This summer, the rumours linking Silva and the Camp Nou club have been rekindled, and all signs have pointed towards the Portugal international being keen on a move to Catalonia.
As per new information from Portuguese football insider Bruno Andrade, Silva will not force Manchester City to sell him, but he is interested in the possibility of ‘reinforcing’ the La Liga club, as they look to return to their former glory.
According to Andrade, Silva is keen on an amicable departure from the Premier League champions.
However, one key component of the deal is missing - Barcelona are yet to agree to pay the hefty fee City are said to be demanding for their midfield gem.
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According to the reported information, the Etihad hierarchy will demand €80 million to part ways with Bernardo Silva.
However, previous reports this summer have indicated that the price tag could be as high as €100 million.
If the move is completed, Silva would join the ever-growing list of players fleeing the Etihad for greener pastures this summer.
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Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling, Zack Steffen, Fernandinho and handful of academy prospects have already confirmed, or heavily linked with moves away.
To fill the void, City have already begun their spending spree, with Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez joining to bolster the attack.
In addition, Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips completed his £45 million transfer yesterday - filling the Fernandinho shaped hole in the squad.
There have been links with other players too.
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Brighton's Marc Cucurella is the most likely, but the Blues have also been credited with an interest in Bayern Munich winger, Serge Gnabry.
Topics: Manchester City, Barcelona, Bernardo Silva, Premier League, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours
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Adam Booker