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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
John McDougall

Bernardo Silva sent clear message on Man City future amid Saudi Arabia transfer links

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha would not blame Manchester City ace Bernardo Silva for moving to Saudi Arabia.

The Portuguese star enjoyed a fantastic season at the Etihad Stadium last term as City claimed the Treble of the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League, the latter being the first in the club's history.

Bernardo is under contract at City until the summer of 2025. Though City are not under any immediate pressure to sell the 28-year-old, speculation surrounds his future at the Etihad.

The midfielder has been linked with a switch to Barcelona, where he could link up with former City captain Ilkay Gundogan, who made the move to Camp Nou this summer. However, reports have also linked him with a potential switch to Saudi Arabia.

READ MORE: Southampton's £50m raid of Man City academy sets new transfer benchmark

Al Hilal have been credited with an interest in the City man, with ESPN claiming he could be offered a deal of around £500,000 per week.

Several Premier League players have made the switch to the Middle East in recent months. And former United striker Saha feels a move to Saudi Arabia would appeal to Bernardo.

Speaking to Paddy Power, Saha said: “Bernardo Silva has just won the Champions League. He’s not old but he has been around the block in Europe and since winning the Champions League he may feel that it is hard to do any more in Europe.

“With the offer from Saudi Arabia, he has the right to consider whether he takes it or not, and whether it is right for his family. The players that are 23 or 24 and still haven’t won the Champions League and then turn it (a move to Saudi Arabia) down because money is the attraction, that’s where I would say give Europe another chance because you will have a shot for Saudi Arabia another time.

“You will have your shot at Saudi Arabia if you keep aiming for the Champions League, your offer will come. It is just about timing and also about how excited your agent is to get the deal done and get their massive commission, which is my problem.”

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