Barcelona have joined the race to sign Manchester City star Bernardo Silva on a free transfer when his contract with the English club expires at the end of the current season.
According to Spanish media reports, Silva has made a final decision to leave Manchester City next summer, despite the Citizens’ desire to extend his contract for another two years.
The Portuguese international is looking for a new challenge, most likely outside of England, with Juventus showing particular interest. It is reported that Juventus have already begun exploring the possibility of completing the deal in June.
In recent days, Silva’s name has appeared on Barcelona’s transfer shortlist. Joan Laporta’s administration sees signing the 31-year-old as a good opportunity given his availability on a free transfer, but this would require him to agree to a pay cut to align with the club’s financial situation at Camp Nou.
Bernardo Silva was close to joining Barcelona at one point, but the high transfer fee was always a stumbling block, in addition to Pep Guardiola’s strong desire to keep the former Monaco star throughout his time at the Etihad Stadium since 2017.
Silva had previously expressed his desire to wear the Barcelona jersey, which would open the door for him to accept a pay cut. The only remaining hurdle would then be whether Barça could find the necessary space to register him in their squad for the upcoming season.
It’s worth noting that Pep Guardiola is also on his way out of Manchester City, which effectively closes the door on Silva reversing his decision to leave, especially as the club is looking to rebuild its historic generation.
