Bernardo Silva keeps Barcelona guessing as ex-Man City captain weighs next move

By SABC Sport
7th June 2026

Former Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva has refused to confirm whether Barcelona will be his next destination.

The 31-year-old midfielder is one of the most sought-after free agents on the market after bringing an end to a glittering nine-year spell at Manchester City, where he established himself as one of the defining figures of the club's most successful era.

During his nine seasons under Pep Guardiola, he won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and multiple Community Shields, becoming one of the most decorated players in the club's history.

Speaking after Portugal's international fixture against Chile, Silva acknowledged that Barcelona are among the clubs interested in securing his signature but stressed that no final decision has been made.

"I haven't made a decision yet. I want to be at a club that wants me, that's for sure. A club where I feel I will be useful," Silva said.

When asked directly whether a move to Camp Nou would represent a dream transfer, the Portuguese international remained cautious.

"Is it a dream? I'm not going to answer that because I don't know where I'll end up. Barcelona is an option I have, but I haven't made that decision yet. We don't know what will happen."

Silva later reiterated the same stance when speaking to Sport.es, explaining that he is considering several possibilities before committing to the next chapter of his career.

"Barcelona is an option I have, but I haven't made a decision yet," he said, adding that his priority is finding a club that genuinely values his contribution and has a clear role for him within the squad.

While Barcelona are believed to be leading the race, the midfielder's representative Jorge Mendes has confirmed that a decision is unlikely to arrive immediately.

"Bernardo will decide after the World Cup," Mendes revealed, suggesting that interested clubs will have to wait until the conclusion of the tournament before receiving an answer.