MX23RW : Monday, May 6 02:16:12| >> :120:61749:61749:

Manchester City's Bernardo Silva responds to Barcelona, Saudi Arabia speculation

Bernardo Silva responds to Barcelona, Saudi Arabia speculation
© Reuters
Manchester City playmaker Bernardo Silva responds to speculation linking him with a move to either Barcelona or Saudi Arabia.

Manchester City playmaker Bernardo Silva has played down speculation linking him with a move to Saudi Arabia, but he refused to comment on a possible switch to Barcelona.

The 29-year-old joined the Citizens in the summer of 2017 and has since established himself as an integral member of Pep Guardiola's squad, scoring 59 goals and registering 62 assists in 326 games across all competitions.

Bernardo has won 14 trophies as a Man City player, including five Premier League titles and one Champions League, but he admitted in January that he is keen to begin a "new project" away from the Etihad Stadium.

The Portugal international has since been heavily linked with a departure from Man City, with the likes of Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and clubs in Saudi Arabia, including Al-Hilal, all credited with an interest.

Bernardo seemingly ended speculation over a possible exit when he penned a new contract at Man City in September, keeping him tied to the Etihad until 2026, but rumours of the playmaker leaving the treble winners have resurfaced heading into the New Year.

Manchester City's Bernardo Silva celebrates scoring their second goal on September 16, 2023© Reuters

Last month, Man City's No.20 reiterated his desire to return to boyhood club Benfica before he retires, but Barcelona and clubs in Saudi Arabia are said to still hold an interest in the Lisbon-born playmaker.

Bernardo is set to represent Man City in Tuesday's Club World Cup semi-final against Urawa Red Diamonds in Saudi Arabia, and he was asked about Barcelona at his pre-match press conference.

Responding to the rumours, Bernardo said: "The first question I'm not going to answer, that's not the point here, my focus is on Manchester City and winning a very important competition."

While Bernardo decided not to comment on a possible switch to Camp Nou, the Portuguese has seemingly ruled out a move to the Middle East as he remains content in Europe.

Manchester City's Bernardo Silva reacts after being substituted on September 19, 2023© Reuters

"The Saudi League improvement has been massive, it's because of the investment and from what we hear it's not going to stop," the playmaker told reporters.

"Future in Saudi? For now, I'm focused on City, very happy playing European football, which in my opinion is the highest level."

Man City allowed both Aymeric Laporte and Riyad Mahrez to leave the Etihad in the summer to join Saudi Arabian clubs Al Nassr and Al-Ahli respectively.

Meanwhile, last season's treble-winning captain Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo's compatriot Joao Cancelo moved to Barcelona, with the former joining on a free transfer upon the expiration of his contract and the latter arriving in Catalonia on a season-long loan deal.

ID:531749:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4893:

Bernardo Silva future - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Bernardo Silva

Click here for more stories about Manchester City

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal on April 8, 2023
Read Next:
Xavi: 'Lionel Messi will make a decision on his future next week'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal36265588286083
2Manchester CityMan City35257387335482
3Liverpool36239481384378
4Aston Villa36207973532067
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs351861169581160
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle351751378562256
7Chelsea351591170591154
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd34166125251154
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham361310135670-1449
10Bournemouth36139145263-1148
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton351211125357-447
12Wolverhampton WanderersWolves36137164960-1146
13Fulham36128165155-444
14Crystal Palace351010154557-1240
15Everton36129153849-1137
16Brentford3699185260-836
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3689194563-1829
18Luton TownLuton3668224978-2926
19Burnley3659223974-3524
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd36372635100-6516


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!