Bernardo Silva brushed off a question about his links with a transfer to Barcelona after Portugal's latest Nations League win, but tellingly did not rule out a summer transfer away from Manchester City.
Bernardo is one of three or four City players being touted with potential exits this summer, with competition in Pep Guardiola's attacking ranks increased with the impending arrivals of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez. Bernardo made no secret that he wanted to leave City last summer as he became homesick over the pandemic, even if he has insisted that stance has nothing to do with his love for the club.
Barcelona are the latest club to be linked with Bernardo, especially if Frenkie de Jong leaves, but the latest reports suggest that City would demand a considerable transfer fee that may be out of reach of the cash-strapped Nou Camp side.
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Speaking after an impressive role in Portugal's 2-0 Nations League win over Czech Republic, in which he assisted both goals, Bernardo was asked about the Barcelona links.
While he did not endorse them, he left City hanging by suggesting a decision will be made on his future after the international fixtures have concluded.
He said (via O Jogo ): "Unfortunately, I won't be able to answer, because I'm at the service of the national team and super focused on the game that remains. When the season ends, we'll see what happens."
Guardiola was asked about the chances of Bernardo joining Barca last week, suggesting that he would be well out of their financial capabilities even if they wanted to make a move.
With a smile, he answered a question about Bernardo joining Barcelona by simply replying: “They will have a difficult time.”
