Bernardo Silva eyes Barcelona move despite Atletico Madrid and Benfica interest

Bernardo Silva is leaning towards joining Barcelona this summer after leaving Manchester City on a free transfer, according to The Times, with Atletico Madrid and Benfica also competing for the 31-year-old’s signature.

Silva ended his nine-year stint at City last week, having won 16 major trophies at the club including the treble in the 2022-23 season. His departure, alongside those of John Stones and manager Pep Guardiola, marks a significant generational shift at the Etihad.

Despite holding family ties to Barcelona and a long-standing ambition to eventually return to boyhood club Benfica — where he came through the academy — Silva is said to believe he can still compete at the highest level for another two or three years. That conviction is reportedly drawing him towards the Champions League football Barcelona can offer.

Barcelona have moved decisively in the transfer market since the season ended, agreeing a £70 million deal to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle and reportedly preparing an £87 million bid for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez. Silva would arrive on a Bosman transfer, and The Times reports that even a reduced wage offer of around £80,000 a week would not discourage him from choosing the Catalan club over higher-paying alternatives.

Interest from MLS clubs has also been noted, though Silva is currently understood to prefer remaining in Europe.

The Portuguese international made an emotional farewell address to City supporters after his final appearance in a City shirt. “It’s really tough to put into words my feeling towards Manchester City, towards you guys, because I don’t think I will ever feel the same about another team in my life,” he said. “The love I got from this club, from you guys, I doubt I will get it again. So thank you so much. All the memories we have together, with my brothers, with you, the staff, this is a family. It will forever be my family and I am really grateful.”