A wizard on the ball, Bernardo Silva’s ability is very much unquestionable but he has never been able to establish himself as a regular under Pep Guardiola, and former Man City midfielder, Paul Stewart, expects that to continue into next season.
Silva failed to impress during Portugal’s 3-0 win against Hungary on Tuesday, but that has not stopped talk of him potentially leaving the Etihad with financially crippled Barcelona ready to test Man City’s resolve on the winger.
Pep Guardiola is constantly spoiled for choice when picking his starting lineup with the likes of Silva, Phil Foden, Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling and Ferran Torres all fighting for a spot in the side.
Silva did not enjoy his best season in the Premier League, managing just two goals in 26 league appearances, and this could see his game time even more limited next term, according to Stewart, who exclusively told Transfer Tavern:
“I think he’s a great player and I can see why he would want to move on because I don’t think he’s going to feature week in week out with the type of players that Man City have got, especially with Foden who’s making great strides. So, he’s going to get limited chances.”
Silva was one of many players to leave Monaco following their stunning title-winning season back in 2017 and he has adapted to life in England relatively successfully, with 35 goals and 44 assists in 201 games.
If Barcelona are struggling financially, as many think they are, then a big cash signing of Silva would be quite surprising, especially considering he is coming off the back of his worst season in England to date.
