Bernardo Silva set to leave Manchester City as a free agent this summer
Bernardo Silva has informed Manchester City he will not be renewing his contract, with the Portuguese midfielder set to leave the Etihad as a free agent when his deal expires in June.
Nine years and six league titles
Silva joined City from Monaco in 2017 for a reported fee of around 43 million pounds. In the nine seasons since, he has won six Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup, and the Club World Cup. He was named the club's captain by Pep Guardiola at the start of this season after the departures of Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker.
Despite wearing the armband, reports say there have been no renewal negotiations. Silva, who turns 32 in August, is understood to have told the club he wants a fresh start after nearly a decade in Manchester.
Benfica lead the chase
A return to boyhood club Benfica is the most frequently mentioned destination. Silva came through Benfica's academy before moving to Monaco in 2015, and the Lisbon club are reportedly keen to bring him home. Barcelona had been linked with him for several years, but recent reports suggest they have stepped back, feeling his profile overlaps with players already in their squad.
Clubs in the Saudi Pro League and Juventus have also been credited with interest, though a move back to Portugal appears the likeliest outcome.
What it means for City's summer
Losing their captain on a free transfer would be a blow for City, who sit second in the Premier League on 60 points, seven behind leaders Arsenal after 29 matches. Guardiola already faces a rebuild this summer with several key players ageing or out of contract, and replacing a midfielder of Silva's quality without a transfer fee coming in only makes the task harder.
Silva has made close to 300 Premier League appearances for the club and scored over 40 league goals. Whatever happens next, the Portuguese international leaves as one of the most decorated players in City's history.
