Bernardo Silva may leave Manchester City on a free transfer, similar to Kevin De Bruyne. The Portuguese midfielder’s contract with the Citizens expires on June 30, 2026. His agent, Jorge Mendes, is already exploring the market for potential moves.
According to Fabrizio Romano, top clubs in Italy, including Juventus and AC Milan, have shown interest. In a brief interview with the BBC, Silva said:
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“I know exactly what I will do in 2026, but now is not the right time to discuss it.” These words fueled immediate speculation across Europe. Since joining Manchester City from Monaco, Silva has become not just a key player, but almost a symbol of the club. At 31, he is entering his ninth consecutive season with the team.
Bernardo Silva 📸
Manchester City has begun rejuvenating its squad under Pep Guardiola. The club now favors more vertical, dynamic players over possession-based strategies. This tactical shift may influence Silva’s future, making a departure a real possibility. De Bruyne’s recent free transfer to Napoli is a clear precedent.
Exploring options in Italy and beyond
Silva had previously dismissed the idea of leaving City, but circumstances appear different now. Fabrizio Romano notes that the decision rests entirely with the player. He may weigh a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia against a leading role at a European club, possibly in Italy.
Bernardo Silva 📸
In the past, PSG and Barcelona were the main suitors, but at 31, such offers may not recur on the same terms. Jorge Mendes is actively testing the market.
Informal talks have taken place with Juventus, whose sporting director Damien Comolli knows Silva well, and with AC Milan, where Mendes previously facilitated Joao Felix’s move. These discussions remain exploratory, with no official negotiations underway.
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Silva’s quality and fitness are unquestionable. Unlike De Bruyne, he has had fewer injury concerns. The main challenge for potential buyers is his salary. Silva currently earns €10.1 million net annually at Manchester City, equivalent to €18.3 million gross.
Bernardo Silva 📸
Italian clubs may struggle to match these numbers, requiring Silva to compromise financially if he chooses Europe over Saudi Arabia.
Whether Silva opts for money abroad, a prominent European project, or remains at City, he is shaping up to dominate headlines in the upcoming transfer windows. His future will be one of the market’s most closely watched stories, and fans across Europe are eager to see his next move.