Pep Lijnders, assistant to coach Pep Guardiola, announced that Portuguese star Bernardo Silva will leave the club at the end of the current season, after his contract expires, making him a free agent next June.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Bernardo Silva informed the English club of his departure in the summer, while the player wishes to decide his next destination before the World Cup begins, seeking a new challenge in his football career.

Pep Lijnders said in a press conference: "Silva cannot be replaced by a player of the same kind; it is difficult to find a player like him. He is unique; his way of controlling games, his movements, his ball reception, his leadership of the team, his ability to find solutions—all these qualities are special."

He added: "We are looking for the right player who grows with the team, a player who integrates with the main lineup, and then we hope our academy players and the young players who joined us can achieve the same progress in midfield."

He continued: "We looked at our young players in the academy, and we find that they need to develop and grow, but the most important thing is the long-term presence of veteran players. Their presence, their presence, their presence. The main team is there, and we can build on it."

He concluded: "It will be difficult to replace Silva because in matches, when he doesn't play, you will notice how much we miss him, and that's just one game. Imagine the whole season."