Barcelona would welcome the signing of Bernardo Silva on a free transfer this summer, but there is one obstacle preventing the deal from going through, though it’s not impossible to overcome soon.
The Portuguese international’s contract with Manchester City expires at the end of the current season, and both parties have agreed not to extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium after eight successful years in the blue shirt.
Several European clubs are interested in Silva, who is also attracting significant attention from Major League Soccer and the Saudi Professional League, although he seems inclined to remain in Europe for at least two more years.
Bernardo Silva wants to move to Barcelona
Juventus is considered the most serious contender to sign Bernardo Silva, and it’s reported that the Italian club’s management has already taken steps to convince the player to join the new project led by experienced coach Luciano Spalletti.
The 31-year-old highly values Juventus and is considering them, but his primary desire is to wear the Barcelona jersey and fulfill the dream he has cherished since the beginning of his career.
Barcelona is Silva’s first choice, followed by Juventus or any other club. Several factors make a move to the Blaugrana possible, most importantly his agent, Jorge Mendes, who has a close relationship with Barça officials.
Barcelona welcomes the signing of Bernardo Silva
In recent days, it was reported that Barcelona wasn’t considering Bernardo and preferred to focus on other priorities in the transfer market. However, the latest reports from Mundo Deportivo confirm that the player has become a top target for Joan Laporta’s administration.
While Barcelona’s current priority is signing a new center-back and a striker to succeed Robert Lewandowski, sporting director Deco is also open to strengthening the midfield with a world-class player like Bernardo, if the financial circumstances allow.
Barcelona sees the Bernardo deal as an ideal opportunity to enhance their attacking options, especially since the transfer would be free, and the Portuguese player is willing to take a pay cut to wear the blue and red jersey. Thus, all the conditions are currently favorable for completing this transfer.
One obstacle remains for Barcelona to sign Bernardo Silva
Mundo Deportivo indicates that Barcelona’s signing of Bernardo Silva hinges on one condition: the club achieving a 1:1 financial balance.
The Catalan club’s financial situation this summer will determine whether they proceed with the Silva deal or simply spend their available funds on acquiring a new striker and defender.
🚨 Bernardo Silva is ready to join the superstar lineup at Inter Miami, according to reports.
Silva is out of contract this summer and could link up with Messi and Suarez over in MLS ✨ pic.twitter.com/rGR3BmAKSO
— LiveScore (@livescore) March 21, 2026
The signs are promising that Barcelona will succeed in achieving the required financial sustainability, thus removing the sole obstacle to signing Bernardo and increasing the likelihood of his eventual move to Camp Nou.
Barcelona hopes to sign Álvarez and Bastoni
At the beginning of the summer, Barcelona will work towards achieving their primary objective of signing Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez, although the deal appears highly complicated.
The Madrid club is demanding more than €100 million for their Argentine striker, which will ultimately force Barcelona to explore alternative options. Egyptian Omar Marmoush remains the most realistic possibility.
On the defensive front, Barcelona hopes to acquire Alessandro Bastoni, whom Inter Milan has become open to selling. However, the Nerazzurri are likely demanding €80 million for their international defender, meaning Laporta’s administration will have to negotiate hard to lower this hefty price tag.
If Barcelona ultimately succeeds in signing Bastoni and either Álvarez or other players who can bolster both defense and attack, they will quickly turn their attention to securing Bernardo Silva, a deal that would be much easier given the player’s strong desire to join Hansi Flick’s squad.
