Pep Guardiola gives a major update on Bernardo Silva’s transfer from Manchester City

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has given an important transfer update on Bernardo Silva’s future and continued links with FC Barcelona.

The Portugal international is heading into another uncertain summer transfer window despite only renewing his existing contract with Manchester City in the final weeks of the market last August.

However, as well as extending his contract with the Premier League champions last summer, Etihad bosses agreed to a release clause in the 29-year-old’s deal, understood to be worth around £50m.

With Bernardo Silva currently away on international duty with Portugal for the upcoming European Championships, the player will be very much focused on the pitch, while those off it will answer questions and talk about his future.

The latest to take to the microphone on the subject of Bernardo Silva is Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who has offered some hard truths behind the future of one of the most integral players in his Etihad system.

“Barça never called,” Guardiola clearly replied, as reported by journalist Víctor Navarro, referring to his boyhood club’s potential transfer interest in a player who has proved so important to Manchester City’s recent successes .

Pep Guardiola continued: “It’s been talked about for years, but no one has called us. I hope he stays (at Manchester City). He is a fundamental player for us, a gem of a player, as a person.

“If you want a player, you have to call him and it didn’t happen.”

Away from FC Barcelona, ​​clubs interested in Bernardo Silva’s signature were few and far between, with the player’s salary and Manchester City’s asking price acting as possible obstacles in any negotiations.

The previous summer transfer window saw Bernardo Silva and his representatives interest from the ambitious Saudi Pro League, only to reject advances from the Middle East in favor of staying in the European game.

Paris Saint-Germain have also previously been tipped to advance with interest and admiration for the Manchester City man, while Silva himself has made no secret of his desire to return to Benfica at some point in his playing years. twilight professional.