Legendary Manchester City midfielder ‘getting closer’ to Etihad Stadium exit

Legendary Manchester City midfielder ‘getting closer’ to Etihad Stadium exit

Manchester City and Bernardo Silva are reportedly closing in on parting ways come the end of the ongoing season, according to new claims.

After almost a decade in sky blue, the Portuguese playmaker is once again the centre of major transfer speculation, but this time signs suggest the outcome could be very different.

The 31-year-old, who has made more than 420 appearances for Manchester City, has repeatedly considered leaving the Etihad Stadium in previous years. Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and several Saudi Pro League clubs all pushed to sign him, while Benfica have intensified efforts to bring their academy jewel home.

Yet Manchester City have consistently managed to keep Silva in Manchester, extending his contract in 2023 and reaffirming his importance to Pep Guardiola’s squad. That stance has remained strong, with some reports stating Guardiola wants the Portugal international to stay beyond 2025/26 and remain part of the club’s leadership group.

But despite the manager’s very public admiration and Bernardo Silva’s professionalism, talks over a new contract are yet to progress, and the situation has become increasingly precarious with each passing month.

According to the information of journalist Nico Schira, Bernardo Silva is now ‘getting closer’ towards leaving Manchester City as a free agent at the end of the ongoing season.

It is explained that there remains no agreement over extending a contract at the Etihad Stadium as of now, and as such ‘several’ European clubs have already made approaches to the Portugal international over a potential move at the end of the season.

If Bernardo Silva does depart in 2026, he will leave behind a legacy few modern City players can match. His versatility and defining performances in title-deciding matches have made him indispensable to Pep Guardiola, who recently explained he views Silva as the perfect captain due to his consistency, professionalism, and refusal to hide during difficult periods.

Speculation is already shifting toward where Silva might land next and Benfica remain an emotional favourite, with some officials openly confident that the Manchester City star will return one day.

Barcelona and PSG retain long-standing admiration although it is likely that the opportunity to bring Bernardo Silva to the club at the peak of his powers has now passed, while Monaco – a club Silva recently admitted he still holds “wonderful memories” of – could enter the picture.

Saudi Arabia may still be another option for the Manchester City icon, with league officials eager to revive talks after previously tabling a £500,000-per-week proposal in previous years, although it is unlikely the midfielder would command such a salary now.

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