Bernardo Silva tipped to quit Man City and join European giants after confirmed news
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Credit: Imago Sun 22 February 2026 19:00, UK Man City are set to lose Bernardo Silva on a free transfer this summer if a new contract cannot be agreed in the coming months.The midfielder’s current deal, which he signed in the summer of 2023, expires at the end of June and does not appear to have an option to extend.The 31-year-old has appeared in every single one of Man City‘s Premier League matches this season, and scored a crucial first league goal of the season away at Liverpool earlier this month. The Citizens signed Silva from Monaco in 2017 in a deal worth around £43million, after the midfielder had enjoyed a hugely impressive season in France.The Portugal international has made 443 Man City appearances in the years since, including 293 in the Premier League.
Read more: Stefan Borson: Bernardo Silva expected to now quit Man City MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Barcelona lead race to sign Bernardo SilvaOn a few occasions, Silva has made his feelings clear on a potential move away from Man City and the Premier League. In 2021, Pep Guardiola confirmed that the midfielder had asked to leave the Etihad Stadium, although a realistic bid never materialised.Bernardo SilvaPremier League 2025-26Appearances27Goals1Assists4Chances created27Successful dribbles14Tackles30The Spaniard later clarified that while Silva was happy at Man City, he could ask to leave in the future.Again in 2024, the 31-year-old expressed his wishes to leave in the future, although he has never outwardly fought for an exit.That time could finally arrive this summer, however, with the former Benfica man free to decide on his next move.
Barcelona, who have been linked to Silva in previous years, have been named the favourite at 6/4 to sign him by one major bookmaker.Inter Milan (3/1), Juventus (3/1), PSG (4/1) and Real Madrid (5/1) also feature prominently among the favourites, while Man United (8/1) and Arsenal (8/1) represent the Premier League contenders.Read more: ‘Man City prepared to lose Bernardo Silva’ amid ‘huge’ claimWhat Silva said about his futureIt is interesting that Benfica do not feature in the favourites to sign Silva, considering his comments in 2024.The midfielder’s wages could create a problem for the Portuguese club, but it would surely be expected that he would take a pay cut to join his boyhood club.“I’m sure I’ll be back, I don’t know when,” Silva told SIC. “It’s difficult to time it and say if it’s in two, three, if it’s for the year with Roger Schmidt.