Bernardo Silva delays Barcelona decision until after the World Cup, agent confirms

Bernardo Silva has put his transfer decision on hold until after the World Cup, with agent Jorge Mendes telling journalist Fabrizio Romano simply: “Bernardo will decide after World Cup.” The statement marks a reversal of reports from last week that suggested the Portugal international was close to signing for Barcelona on a free transfer.

Silva departed Manchester City this summer when his contract expired, ending a nine-year spell at the Etihad Stadium in which he made 460 appearances and collected 15 major trophies. Barcelona had been considered the frontrunner for his signature, with Atletico Madrid and Benfica also having made offers.

According to The Times, Silva’s long-term ambition is to finish his career at Benfica, the club where he came through the academy. However, he is understood to believe he can still compete at a higher level for another two years before making that move.

Speaking to Canal 11 last month, Silva explained the thinking behind his exit from City. “It was a decision I made two years ago, that I would see out my contract and then we would go our separate ways,” he said. “When I made the decision, I knew I wouldn’t change my mind.”

He described leaving as a natural progression rather than a rupture. “When I arrived, I never imagined I’d stay for nine years — that’s a long time at a club. It’s my last chance to take on another challenge in my life, to do something different.”

Silva confirmed that City’s hierarchy attempted to persuade him to extend his stay. “They tried. They kept trying, but they realised my stance wasn’t going to change,” he said. “In the end, they stopped pushing the issue. They gradually realised. And then they started joking that I was leaving but never actually would.”

His trophy haul at City included four consecutive Premier League titles between 2021 and 2024, the treble in 2023, and all four domestic honours in the 2018-19 season. Silva’s final appearance for the club came against Aston Villa in Pep Guardiola’s last game as City manager.