Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has ruled out any possible summer move for midfielder Bernardo Silva amid interest from Barcelona.
Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva has recently been linked with a move to Barcelona. The Portuguese’s name was a point of discussion when City manager Pep Guardiola took part in an event to announce a charity match to be played between the Premier League champions and Barcelona.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta was present at the event too and joked about having Bernardo Silva in Blaugrana colours when the two sides meet on August 24, as reported by MARCA. Guardiola was quick to step in, proclaiming “We will be Bernardo Silva and ten more.”
The 27-year-old’s name came up again during the press conference after the event. Guardiola was naturally quizzed about the future of Silva. The Spanish tactician ruled out a summer move, saying he thinks the player will continue with the club. But he quickly added that the transfer market can throw up unexpected moves.
“Many names have been coming out for a long time. I think Bernardo will continue with us , but I don’t want to have players who don’t want to be with us either. I don’t know what the market will be like,” Guardiola said.
Barcelona president Laporta was asked about the club’s interest in Silva as well. However, he steered clear of commenting about their reported pursuit.
“I love having the best Barça players. Mateu Alemany and Jordi Cruyff are in charge of the reinforcements. We can make a joke about it as we have done, but not now it’s time to talk about players,” Laporta said.
Though Silva still has three years left on his current contract with Manchester City, he is pushing for a move to Barcelona. The Catalan side look set to part ways with Frenkie de Jong, who is reportedly on his way to Manchester United, and consider the Portuguese his replacement.
The Blaugrana have even opened talks with the player’s entourage and are reportedly waiting for the de Jong deal to materialise before making an official move.
