Pep Guardiola has warned Barcelona that they ‘will have a difficult time’ trying to sign Manchester City star Bernardo Silva this summer....CONTINUE READING
Bernardo was one of several players targeted by the Spanish giants last summer, and a move may well have materialised had the club had enough money to put an offer together given the playmaker was looking for a new challenge closer to his family.
And while the manager did not want to lose one of his best players, he has always accepted as a club stance that City will not keep hold of unhappy stars.
After failing to leave last summer, Bernardo instead became one of City’s most important players again and was instrumental in them winning a fourth Premier League title in five years and reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League.
The 27-year-old is happier off the pitch as well — not least because the ending of travel restrictions allows him to travel more — and he crowned an exciting year by proposing to his girlfriend last week.
Despite his improved situation in Manchester, and City’s increased hopes of extending his contract beyond 2025, Bernardo has been reported as a transfer target for Barcelona this summer.
Xavi made City forward Ferran Torres the first major signing of his era in the January transfer window and the Catalan club are maintaining their ambitions even if their finances are still a considerable challenge.
However, Guardiola appeared to suggest that there is little chance of a deal coming off. Asked about the prospect while at a golf tournament, he replied simply: “They will have a difficult time.”
