MY ACCOUNT
Paris Saint-Germain look set for a busy summer and are keen to make Bernardo Silva their latest marquee signing.
The Portuguese midfielder has played a starring role at Manchester City since his arrival in 2017.
But the 28-year-old is reportedly keen on a move away following a failed exit last year.
He will likely be key to City’s chances of emerging victorious in this afternoon’s FA Cup final against rivals Manchester United.
Ahead of the game, we explore what he would bring to the Ligue 1 champions.
Pointing to Paris
Silva is reportedly a priority target for PSG.
Lionel Messi is leaving the French capital on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract and the Lisbon native could be seen as a potential replacement.
Earlier this season, Silva suggested that a move away from the Etihad could be on the cards.
He said: “The plan is to end the season well, win the Premier League, go against United in the FA Cup final, and then Inter [in the Champions League final].
“After that, in the summer, we will see what happens.”
Clutch contributor
Silva has produced in key moments for City this season.
His tallies of seven goals and six assists across all competitions do not necessarily catch the eye but his contributions have been significant, including two strikes in the Champions League semi-finals.
He has proven incredibly tricky to contain in the Premier League, completing 28 dribbles and creating 31 chances while being fouled five times in the final third.
He could prove decisive once again at Wembley this afternoon.
Pep talk
Earlier this season, City boss Pep Guardiola hailed Silva as one of the best players he has ever coached.
He said: “[Silva] is a player who you tell to play in a position and you do not have to say anything else.
“I have been lucky to coach some very good players for Barca and Bayern. He is one of the best players I ever trained in my life, ever. He is something special as a football player.
“He can play everywhere because he understands the game perfectly and every action with and without the ball.
“He is so, so important and lately he is scoring goals, which he lacked a little bit. Now he is being decisive.”
Tireless team player
In addition to his obvious technical qualities, Silva works tirelessly off the ball.
City’s No20 hounds opposition defenders, ranking second among his team-mates in the Premier League for tackles (44).
Only Jack Grealish and Rodri competed in more ground duels than Bernardo (21), while he also managed to win possession an impressive 66 times in the middle third.
Derby showdown
There has never been an FA Cup final Manchester derby and with City looking to match United’s historic feat of winning the Treble, there is plenty at stake for both sides.
The Citizens have won three of the last four encounters, although United secured the bragging rights most recently with a 2-1 win at Old Trafford in January.
If this is to be Silva’s final season in sky blue, he will want to leave on a high — and clinching the FA Cup en route to a historic campaign would be quite the way to bow out.
