Football
As Pep Guardiola renews Barcelona’s hope
Barcelona in their rebuilding project have made Manchester City’s star Bernado Silva their transfer target, but the Catalan giants’ financial restrictions have prevented them from submitting an offer to the Premier League champions.
Manchester City are understood to be holding out for a fee closer to €90m (£76m) for the 28-year-old and National Daily can now confirm that Pep Guardiola has just cast a green light in favour of Barcelona after the Spaniard admitted that he would not stop Silva from joining Barcelona if they can reach an agreement with the Etihad club.
Barcelona fans were meanwhile given the opportunity to watch Silva play recently at Camp Nou during City’s 3-3 draw against Barca in a friendly match on Wednesday.
Barca fans were delighted to watch Silva in their 3-3 draw during City’s friendly game against Barcelona at Camp Nou on Wednesday
And when asked about Silva’s future after the game, Guardiola conceded that the midfielder would be keen on a move to Barca: ‘He is our player. We want him to be with us because he is very important.
‘Having said that, I don’t want anyone to be unhappy. But I don’t want him to leave because he is a superlative player.
‘As a player and as a person, he is one of the best I have ever had. In any competition, he is the best player.
‘If an offer arrives there are seven days left and if Bernardo leaves we would have to go to the market and not it’s easy.
‘Having said that, Bernardo likes Barcelona a lot.’
In the joint press conference, Xavi was also asked about Barca’s potential move for Silva.
‘Who doesn’t like Bernardo Silva? Or Haaland or De Bruyne?’ said Xavi.
‘Silva has great decision-making ability, he protects the ball very well, he’s very good. It depends on City. But now there’s no news.’
