Silva to Barca? Man City Makes Statement

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Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has commented on Bernardo Silva amid reports linking him with FC Barcelona and PSG.

Man City invested around £43m to sign Silva from Ligue Un outfit AS Monaco ahead of the 2017/18 campaign. Silva has made over 350 appearances for the Premier League champions over the past seven seasons and has proven to be a sensational signing. But since the last two seasons, there has been growing speculation that fans with Manchester City tickets hear of a possible exit. 

Silva was linked with a move away from Man City during last summer’s transfer window. He penned a new contract last year, but an exit is expected as his deal includes a £50m release clause, making all the fans with Manchester City tickets happy. The 29-year-old is attracting interest from European giants FC Barcelona and PSG, and a potential swap deal involving the Spanish giants has been mooted.

According to a report from Football Insider, Silva is set to inform Man City that he ‘wants to leave’ the club this summer.

Barca and PSG Eye Silva 

It is noted that Barcelona and PSG are ‘pushing hard’ to sign Silva, and he’s ‘more likely’ to leave this summer than he was last year.

‘A move in the upcoming window is more likely as the attacking midfielder seeks a new challenge.

‘Man City will demand £ 50 million for his signature, with Pep Guardiola needing to replace him with a player of similar attributes.

‘The Portuguese now believes he has achieved all he can in England and is keen to move abroad.

‘PSG boss Luis Henrique is said to be a “big fan” of Silva’s, while Barcelona’s interest has been long-term, although there are concerns about their financial situation.’

Despite this, Guardiola has indicated that Barcelona has “never called” about Silva and that he “hopes he stays” at Man City.

If Silva leaves Man City for Barcelona, he could reunite with fellow Portugal international Joao Cancelo as the La Liga giants want to make his move permanent this summer.

Cancelo left City after falling out with Guardiola, and the Spaniard is open to letting the full-back leave permanently.

“It has to be the best for everyone,” Guardiola added. “The two clubs will sit down. He is our player and if an agreement is not reached, he will have to return in the preseason. If he wants to stay here, and the clubs agree, it will be done again.”

Alvarez Looking for Exit?

Julian Alvarez is ‘calm’ over his Manchester City future as speculation grows over a potential summer exit.

Alvarez enjoyed a productive second season at the Etihad, stepping up when Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland were injured. He had to settle for a place on the bench when both senior men returned, fuelling speculation that he could leave City to be first choice somewhere, particularly in his preferred number nine position.

The striker hopes to add a second Copa America title to his bulging trophy cabinet this summer and is reportedly keen to represent Argentina at the Olympics in July and August. That would limit the time for any potential transfer to be agreed upon, and the player himself has poured cold water over his chances of leaving the Etihad.

Real Madrid were linked with a move for Alvarez, but they have just announced the signing of Kylian Mbappe, while Atletico Madrid have been linked with him but have admitted he is likely to stay in Manchester.

“Julian Alvarez is a Manchester City player, and I don’t think he’s going to move from there,” said Atletico president Enrique Cerezo over the weekend.

Now, Alvarez himself has insisted he is happy at the Etihad but did leave the door slightly ajar for a move by saying he would “see what happens.”

Asked about his future, he told ESPN: “These are things that are said [transfer rumours], but I am calm; I am comfortable and happy at City. We will see what happens.”

For Alvarez, who is still young, it is a question of game time vs team credibility. Those with Manchester City tickets will agree that he is an X-factor player, but with the depth in the City lineup at the front, it is a tough challenge for them to see him getting adequate game time. Alvarez also understands that he has potential and must fight for his spot.

City Looking for New #1 

City chief Pep Guardiola’s transfer team is preparing for the Saudi Arabian cash to come for their Brazilian No 1.

Ederson could be out of Manchester City, with Saudi clubs looking to pay heavily for the Brazilian goalkeeper. And Maignan, 28, is their top target to fill that potential king-sized hole in their side for next season and beyond.

France stopper Maignan is in top form for club and country and will feature in the Euros for Les Bleus this summer, where other clubs will be watching him.

Milan is aware that they may lose a prized asset, which could mean a Premier League raid.

Everton and England keeper Jordan Pickford, 30, is in their sights and could be available as the Toffees deal with their financial issues. It would cost around £ 30 million.

Milan has also considered a surprise move for Arsenal reserve Aaron Ramsdale, 26, who could also be available. Ramsdale, Pickford’s understudy in a Three Lions jersey, is also being considered by Premier League clubs, but the Gunners will not let him go cheaply.

Ortega Extends Contract

Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega has extended his contract with the club, committing to it until the end of the 2025-26 season.

Ortega, 31, joined Manchester City in 2022 from German club Arminia Bielefeld. During the last Premier League season, he made nine appearances and started in the FA Cup final, resulting in a defeat against Manchester United.

Expressing his enthusiasm about the extension, Ortega stated, “I am delighted to be staying at Manchester City for longer.”

But the real question that most fans with Manchester City tickets would ask is if Ortega is fit to become their #1. The fans might, but Guardiola doesn’t.

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