Liverpool may be back in the title race after all, as long as Barcelona complete the signing of Manchester City’s £72M-rated world-class midfielder.
The Catalan club have been chasing Bernardo Silva all summer, even despite a financial situation which is precarious, to say the least.
If City are willing to let Silva go, they would certainly be a weaker side and will have lost one of their most important and consistent performers.
Liverpool’s title charge has endured a tough start, falling four points behind their rivals, but with players returning from injury and Silva potentially leaving for Spain – things could be looking up for the Reds.
🚨🚨✅| If Frenkie De Jong reduces his salary or leave, FC Barcelona will be able to sign & register Bernardo Silva.@gerardromero [🎖️]
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) August 19, 2022
Bernardo Silva to join Barcelona? Or PSG?
The latest reports seem to suggest that a move for Silva is dependent on the outcome of Frenkie De Jong – who needs to either leave or reduce his salary before Barca can even think about signing and registering Silva.
Pep Guardiola played it coy when questioned about Silva’s potential move claiming “he is our player.”
The former Barcelona manager also underlined Manchester City’s desire to keep the press-resistant maestro.
As Dan Murphy reported, Pep went on to say: “He knows our wishes. What is going to happen, I don’t know…”
However, it’s not just Barca who wants to sign him – PSG have entered the race and are looking to bid around £59M for his services.
Silva has also been clear with his intentions and said on August 10th that the Man City are aware of his desires.
But the 28-year-old will not force a move to Camp Nou and is being “respectful”.
Via Fabrizio Romano, he told ESPN: “I’ve been open with Man City and they know what I want.
“If I stay, I’m very happy and I will always respect this club and give all my best.
“If not, it’s football and we’ll just see what happens.
“I will always be respectful with Man City”.
Bernardo Silva – The Complete Midfielder
— Chris (@FutbolDeAmour) July 18, 2022
Manchester City face Barcelona in a friendly on the 24th and City’s owner, Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will be at the game – this was confirmed by Pep Guardiola himself.
It could be a chance for the two clubs to hash out a potential deal.
The club has earmarked Silva, Marcos Alonso and Juan Foyth as targets for the rest of the window.
Alonso and Foyth have already agreed on terms – financial issues remain the key stumbling block.
Liverpool could benefit from Man City selling Bernardo Silva
Silva has enjoyed a stellar career at City winning four Premier League titles and countless other domestic cups all whilst developing into a world-class player.
Capable of playing off either flank or deeper in midfield or even as a false nine, Silba has been one of the most key players for City and his potential loss would shake the current squad.
Liverpool have made an awful start to the season and are four points behind Manchester City.
But if you had come to me at the start of the season and asked me if I would give Man City a 4-point lead after two games if it meant they then lost Bernardo Silva, I would take it.
Silva is vital to the way Man City keep teams pinned back in their final third.
Not only is he an elite presser but the midfielder himself is one of the most press-resistant players on the planet, allowing him to nick the ball and keep it up – an incredible asset for a manager like Pep Guardiola.
Not only will Man City battle to replicate his value with a new signing but they also lose a key player in games against Liverpool as Silva.
The left-footed ace is essential to countering the way Jurgen Klopp’s side plays through the middle – focusing on players that battle under pressure.
Jordan Henderson is often the target for City as he isn’t as good at receiving the ball with his back to the man marking him as someone like Thiago.
A throwback to Thiago’s passing in the semifinal against Man City.
A master at work ⚽️ 🪄
— Anfield Edition (@AnfieldEdition) May 13, 2022
