MY ACCOUNT
Barcelona have proved they usually get what they want this summer — but Manchester City are intent on keeping Bernardo Silva,
Silva has been crucial to City’s dominance since joining from Monaco in 2017, winning four Premier League titles, four Carabao Cups and an FA Cup at the Etihad Stadium.
The Portugal international chipped in with eight league goals last season — his best return in English football — as City claimed their latest silverware and manager Pep Guardiola is desperate not to lose him.
Ahead of the Citizens’ trip to Newcastle, we explain why City must keep the brilliant midfielder at the club.
Bernardo to Barcelona?
For the second summer in a row, Silva’s sparkling performances for City have attracted attention from Barcelona, who are on something of a spending spree.
Despite their well-documented financial issues, the Catalan giants have added Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde to their ranks — though the latter remains unregistered.
It appears Barca’s interest has turned Silva’s head.
The midfielder was open to a new challenge last summer and does not seem to have changed his mind, with the chance to join Xavi’s revolution holding plenty of appeal.
Loved at City
Guardiola was far from coy when asked about Silva’s future, making clear his desire to retain the midfielder.
He said: “I want Bernardo Silva here at 100%, or at 110%. I want him, I want him and I want him.
“Because I love him. The reason why I’m a manager is because I can live and train with players and people, human beings like Bernardo.
“I’m weak when I talk about him because he’s a special person to me in these years.
“But I said it before, I don’t know what is going to happen. He knows how much we want him and we love him. At the same time, I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
Silva’s City team-mate Kevin De Bruyne was more confident than his manager, however, and insisted that he expects Silva to stay put.
He said: “I think [Silva is] very loved [by us] and he knows [that].
“The way that I see it, I think that he will be here so there’s nothing that I’m worried about.
“Whatever happens, he is great for us and I expect him to be here with us this year.”
Brilliant Bernardo
Chief among the multitude of reasons to keep Silva is his creativity.
Since the start of last season, only five players have attempted more final-third passes than Silva’s 780 and only two — team-mates Joao Cancelo and Rodri — have completed more than his 670.
In doing so, the Portuguese has created an impressive 59 chances and eight big chances — although he was rewarded with just four assists despite his efforts.
However, the arrival of star striker Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund provides Silva with a clinical finisher to craft opportunities for — a frightening combination.
Pulling the strings
Silva’s rare blend of qualities enable him to operate in deeper areas as well as more advanced ones.
The 28-year-old is heavily involved in City’s build-up play, attempting 1,918 passes (completing 1,719) while taking 2,442 touches in the Premier League since the start of last season.
His dribbling ability is evidenced by his attempted 93 take-ons (54 completed) in the same timeframe and that technical security in tight spaces makes him an exceptionally press-resistant player.
Furthermore, the 5ft 8in midfielder is surprisingly tenacious and does not shy away from the grittier side of the game, winning possession in the attacking third 22 times in the last year.
Unique at the club
Guardiola does not have another midfielder quite like Silva.
De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden, Rodri and new signing Kalvin Phillips are all supremely talented in their own right.
But none combine creativity, technique and work rate in quite the same way as the Portuguese who has always been one of Guardiola’s most trusted lieutenants on the field.
Should he depart, replacing him would be no easy task and, with the window drawing to a close, Guardiola is well aware that his City side are far stronger with Silva in the squad than without.
