The website "Fichajes" reported that Barcelona has become the frontrunner to complete the signing of Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva after his contract with Manchester City ends in June 2026. The Catalan club sees this situation as a strategic opportunity to acquire an experienced player without paying a transfer fee.

Silva, 31 years old, is now able to negotiate freely with other clubs in preparation for the upcoming season, which has made Barcelona closely monitor his status and devise a plan to benefit from his experience in European competitions and his extensive top-level experience.

The source indicates that Barcelona’s management considers the deal suitable both sportingly and financially, as the player adds experience and offensive flexibility that align with the team’s style, in addition to his leadership role in a locker room that includes young players.

From Manchester City's side, the player remains an important part of the team, but the club realizes that time is working against them if a renewal is not reached soon, while Bernardo Silva is seriously considering taking on a new challenge outside the English Premier League after years of success.

Indirect contacts made by Barcelona with the player confirmed the attractiveness of the sporting project offered to him, including a clear role and significant playing time, which made the option to move to Camp Nou more appealing than other offers that showed interest in signing him.

Expectations indicate that the deal could be part of strengthening Barcelona’s midfield, adding control of play, creativity, and leadership, and allowing the player to adapt to several positions according to the team’s needs, thereby enhancing the club’s ability to compete at the European level without compromising financial stability.