Barca working to sign Bernado Silva

According to a report in Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are trying to sign Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva this summer, despite the financial restrictions they’re currently facing.

In an interesting report that covers a lot of angles, it’s revealed that Silva is ‘crazy’ about joining Barca and City manager Pep Guardiola made a commitment to the Portuguese playmaker that if Barca were ever to come calling, he’d work to facilitate the transfer.

Xavi is rumoured to be the driving force for this transfer, insisting that the central midfield area needs reinforcing, not only with a pivot but with a playmaker as well.

Silva has gained a reputation for having a killer final pass and that’s exactly what the Barca manager is looking for.

In fact, Xavi insists that if Barca were able to capture the signature of Silva, it would make them contenders for the most prized possession in European football, the Champions League.

The 28-year-old maestro played a key part in Manchester City’s treble last year, appearing in 34 games in the Premier League, contributing 4 goals and 5 assists.

In the 6 years that Silva has been with City, the blue half of Manchester has won the league on 5 occasions, only finishing 2nd to Liverpool in 2019-20.

Having joined from Monaco, it now sounds as though Pep is willing to sanction his exit ahead of the new season, and while he’s been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, Catalonia is where his heart is.

Potential to bring Silva in on loan

The report indicates that purchasing Silva outright this summer will be difficult for the La Liga champions, due to the financial fair play regulations.

However, there is an option that could be mutually beneficial to all parties.

MD reporter Ferran Martinez indicates that Barca could attempt to arrange a loan for Silva this year with an obligation to buy the maestro during the 2024-25 transfer window.

Silva is represented by Jorge Mendes, who also represents current Barca stars Ansu Fati, Alejandro Balde and Lamine Yamal. So there is an existing and positive relationship between Mendes and Barca president Joan Laporta.

It’s still a long shot, but Barca will do all they can to bring in Xavi’s number-one target this summer.