Shankhadeep Dey
Silva Snubs the Saudis
After a historic treble win for Manchester City, Portuguese star Bernardo Silva is set to reject a lucrative deal to move to the Saudi Pro League, as reported by The Athletic. This could come as a boost for Barcelona who have been interested in the player since last year. The Saudis have made headlines by roping in big names like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in recent times, however, the former’s national teammate is expected to remain in Europe.
Source: ESPN
The diminutive midfielder has been instrumental in Man City’s Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League triumphs as the club become only the second English team, after arch-rivals Manchester United, to win the rare European treble. Silva had eight goals and seven assists in the recently concluded season.
Gifted with great vision, technical ability and swift movements, Silva is seen by many to be a player who ideally suits Barcelona’s style of play. Indeed, the City midfielder was heavily linked with the Blaugranas last summer but City seemed reluctant to part ways with the former Monaco player. Now that the season is concluded, and they have won the elusive UCL, City boss Pep Guardiola might let the player go as he has enough time to find a replacement.
Paris Saint-Germain have also emerged as a major suitor for the player whose contract ends in 2025. Having 2 years left in the contract, Silva would be under no immediate pressure to leave. However, it is speculated that his agent, Jorge Mendes has met with Barca officials to discuss financial matters.
Barcelona Expects a Busy Window
Barcelona are the favourite to sign another Man City star Ilkay Gundogan, amid his former club, Borussia Dortmund’s interest. The German international who orchestrated City’s midfield alongside Silva and Kevin De Bruyne in the last few years, is linked with a move away from England but prefers not to return to Germany.
Source: ESPN
Recent financial struggles have plagued the Catalan club in recent years which means they might not have the funds to rope in big names like the City duo. Barcelona’s dream of reuniting with former club legend Lionel Messi was shattered as the latter snubbed the Blaugranas in favour of a move to the United States, citing Barca’s seemingly poor management.
Barcelona, however, are planning to sign Giovanni Lo Celso and Adrien Rabiot if they fail to get their hands on the City duo. The club might also offload the misfiring Ansu Fati and injury-prone Dembele, who have been linked to Premier League clubs.
Other Transfers
The Saudi Pro League has emerged as a powerhouse in world football after the signings of Ronaldo, and Benzema. Now they are set to bring in more stars as Ruben Neves snubs Barca in favour of a move to the Middle East. Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is also set to sign for a Saudi club according to reports. French midfielder N’Golo Kante is another elite player who could yet move to the Pro League.
