Mutual interest

Farewell to City? Pep star eyes Barcelona

Bernardo Silva (center) has been playing for Manchester City since 2017.(Bild: AFP/APA/Ben Stansall)

After Ilkay Gündogan, is the next star player to leave Manchester City for Barcelona? According to reports in the English media, the Catalans are planning a new attempt to get the Portuguese on board. Silva himself is said to already be looking around for good residential areas in Barcelona.

"If Bernardo Silva comes, I will ask for a commission. He is very careful about everything and has asked me about places to live, where to eat and security," Silva's compatriot Joao Felix, who has been with the Catalans since September, recently joked. "I think Bernardo is already convinced by Barcelona." It is quite possible that the two will soon be able to call themselves team-mates at club level - provided Felix stays at Barca beyond his loan.

Soon colleagues at club level too? Joao Felix (l.) and Bernardo Silva(Bild: AFP/APA/PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA)

Second attempt
Barcelona had already expressed an interest in the 29-year-old Silva last summer, but the deal failed to materialize due to the Spanish champions' financial resources. 

According to his contract, Silva is tied to Man City until 2026, but an exit clause of around €58 million allows him to leave the club early. If the Catalans make a move, they will welcome a five-time Premier League winner to their ranks.