This season, while Manchester City has maintained its status as a Premier League powerhouse, the team’s overall performance has shown signs of decline compared to its peak years.
With struggles emerging across multiple competitions and an aging midfield core, the club’s management has made it clear that a squad overhaul is on the agenda this summer.
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Squad rejuvenation has now become Pep Guardiola’s top priority.
De Bruyne to Depart, Bernardo Silva Close to Exit
As the season draws to a close, reports of veteran departures from the Etihad have grown louder.
Notably, Kevin De Bruyne has already confirmed this will be his final season with Manchester City. After nearly a decade of brilliance, the Belgian playmaker is set to bid farewell to the club where he established himself as one of the best midfielders of his generation.
With De Bruyne leaving, another midfield maestro—Bernardo Silva—is also edging closer to the exit door. According to Spain’s Mundo Deportivo, the Portuguese international is actively pursuing a transfer this summer, with his sights set on a long-dreamed move to Barcelona.
In fact, rumors of Bernardo’s desire to join the Catalan giants date back several seasons, but recent developments suggest those talks are entering a more serious stage.
City Open to Departure — €50M Price Tag Set
Bernardo Silva’s contract with Manchester City runs until the summer of 2026. However, the club is reportedly open to letting him leave at the right price.
Sources close to the situation claim that City would accept an offer in the region of €50 million—a fee considered reasonable for a player of his pedigree and experience.
Since joining from AS Monaco in 2017, Bernardo has become a cornerstone of Guardiola’s tactical system.
His dribbling, vision, and ability to link play have made him one of the most underrated yet vital cogs in City’s engine room. He’s been instrumental in the club’s domestic and European success, often stepping up in critical moments.
Dreaming of Camp Nou: Bernardo Willing to Take a Pay Cut
According to Sport, Bernardo is determined to fulfill his dream of playing for Barcelona. His agent, Jorge Mendes, has been in regular contact with Barça officials, including club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco, to explore the feasibility of the move.
In a show of intent, Bernardo is reportedly willing to take a significant pay cut to facilitate a switch to Camp Nou—a move that has impressed many but is complicated by Barcelona’s ongoing financial woes.
Even with a reduced salary, the Catalans would need to offload players and adjust their wage structure to make room for his registration under La Liga’s financial regulations.
If the club cannot finalize sales—such as offloading Raphinha, Koundé, or other high-earners—it’s unlikely they’ll be able to bring Bernardo in this summer.
Plan B: Saudi Arabia Offers Loom
Despite his preference for Barcelona, Bernardo has lined up alternatives. Several Saudi Arabian clubs are reportedly circling, offering astronomical wages—upwards of €25 million annually.
These offers present a lucrative plan B should the move to Barça fall through.
Additionally, there were suggestions that he could return to his boyhood club Benfica.
However, the Portuguese side has already ruled out a move in the near term due to financial constraints, though they’ve left the door open for a potential retirement stint in the future.
Fan Reaction Split: Barcelona Hesitant, City Supportive
Interestingly, fan responses to Bernardo’s potential move are polarizing.
Barcelona fans are largely cautious. While they acknowledge Bernardo’s talent, many question the logic of spending on a 29-year-old when the club is emphasizing youth and financial prudence.
With midfield talents like Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Fermin already breaking through, some feel resources would be better allocated elsewhere—particularly in defense and attack.
Manchester City fans, on the other hand, appear more accepting. Given De Bruyne’s impending departure and Bernardo’s longstanding desire for a new challenge, many supporters view his exit as the end of a successful era rather than a betrayal. Some have commented, “He gave us his best years—let him chase his dream.”
Manchester City’s Midfield Overhaul Has Begun
Regardless of Bernardo Silva’s final decision, one thing is certain: Manchester City’s midfield will undergo significant changes this summer.
With De Bruyne confirmed to leave, and players like Mateo Kovačić and Kalvin Phillips also facing uncertain futures, Guardiola will be tasked with reconstructing his central unit around younger pillars such as Rodri, Phil Foden, and potentially a marquee signing or two.
As for Bernardo, the months ahead will be career-defining. Will he finally wear the red and blue of Barcelona and fulfill a long-held dream? Or will he trade the spotlight for the riches of the Middle East?
The answer is coming—and it may reshape not only City’s midfield but also Barcelona’s project for the years to come.
