According to a report from Spanish outlet SPORT, Manchester City have reportedly dropped their asking price for Bernardo Silva, with the Citizens ready to let the Portugal international leave in the off-season, handing a huge boost to player’s suitors Barcelona.
Barcelona’s obsession in their pursuit of Bernardo Silva has been a well-documented story in the rumour mill.
Over each of the last two summer windows, Barcelona had been heavily linked with a move for Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva.
The Portuguese international has been on the Catalans’ agenda for some time now, but a move has failed to materialise due to a variety of reasons.
Last summer, Silva was reportedly open to leaving the Etihad for Spotify Camp Nou, but Barça left it late with their approach, while the monetary issues were also a stumbling block as Manchester City refused to budge from their €89 million valuation.
In January, Manchester City reportedly rejected a €70 million bid from La Liga leaders, as boss Pep Guardiola was reluctant to let an important player leave the Etihad in the middle of the season.
But, the Catalans have not yet given up on their pursuit of the Portuguese playmaker and will revive their interest in the upcoming summer transfer window.
In fact, according to SPORT, there’s a hope for the Blaugrana as they plan to make their move to secure Silva’s services at the end of the season.
As per the report, Manchester City are ready to let go of their prized asset in the summer.
The midfielder is looking for a hefty wage rise, while the Sky Blues are looking to cash in on the 28-year-old before his contract expires in June 2025.
Sporting director Txiki Begiristain has apparently informed Silva at a recent meeting of the club’s decision that he can leave the Etihad if he wants.
It is also understood that the reigning Premier League champions have told his agent, Jorge Mendes, that they will accept transfer offers in the region of £65 million, which is significantly lesser than their original asking price last year.
While that is certainly a boost, Barcelona must sort out their financial issues if they are to have any hopes of signing Silva from the Premier League.
Not only that any transfer will command a transfer fee of £65 million, the Portuguese playmaker would also likely want a lucrative contract.
Given the Financial Fair Play situation at Spotify Camp Nou, quite how they will manage to pull off the deal remains a major question.