Pep Guardiola doesn't rule out Bernardo Silva departure amid continued Barcelona interest

The future of Bernardo Silva once again dominates discussion ahead of the start of the new season.

With the 2022/23 campaign on the horizon, one of the most intriguing aspects from a Manchester City perspective is set to be assessing how the impact of the squad upheaval unfolds.

For starters, fresh faces have arrived in the form of Julian Alvarez, Erling Haaland, Stefan Ortega and Kalvin Phillips this summer.

However, the dressing room shake-up has also been in full flow in terms of the outgoings of key players.

Former club captain Fernandinho joined Athletico Paranaense after a glittering nine-year stay at the club.

The likes of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko bid farewell to the Etihad Stadium in favour of a switch to join Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.

While the club’s highest goalscorer under Pep Guardiola in Raheem Sterling has become a Chelsea player.

Another name who has been mooted to join this list is Bernardo Silva.

After a summer of speculation that linked him with a switch to Barcelona ahead of last term, the rumours have made a return once again.

With the La Liga side reportedly hell-bent on sanctioning Frenkie de Jong’s sale to either Chelsea or Manchester United in order to ease their wage bill, Silva is considered as the ideal replacement in midfield.

Just recently as well, the Catalan giants activated a third economic lever, which would permit them to fund a move for the Portuguese international.

It has also been claimed that the player himself would not be opposed to a switch to Xavi’s side in search of a new challenge.

As the speculation around the enigmatic midfielder shows no signs of stopping, Pep Guardiola had his say on the player’s future.

“I didn't say he'd leave," said the 51 year-old.

"The answer was the same as last season. You ask me every week, I always say I want the best for the players. I want Bernardo to stay. 100 percent.”

The Sky Blues boss continued: “But at the same time if you want to leave, have an offer, clubs come to an agreement. Common sense. He’s an important player, special, but I don't know what will happen. We didn't get any offer, last season either. Bernardo's ready, training well for Sunday.”

Quizzed about whether he has had a conversation with the 27-year old about his plans this season, Guardiola revealed: “I talk a lot with Bernardo, with all of them, maybe because I'm getting old and we know each other quite well.

"I'm more relaxed as a manager with them, I know them. Their feelings, the good and bad moments. But not about this situation, if I have to tell him something I tell him, but we don't have doubts about the situation. He's happy, engaged, he has a beautiful dog. He's happy here, what will happen will happen.”

Ultimately, only time will tell whether Bernardo Silva decides to stay at Manchester City after a breath-taking campaign, or take his talents to Barcelona ahead of the new season.