Barcelona confident about signing Bernardo, City don’t want Frenkie de Jong in exchange

The rumours linking Manchester City superstar Bernardo Silva with a summer move to Barcelona seem to be intensifying with each passing day.

Despite Pep Guardiola reiterating that the Citizens wish to keep hold of the former SL Benfica and AS Monaco midfielder, the speculations refuse to go away.

Recent reports have indicated that Silva, whose market value stands at €80 million dreams of a summer transfer to Barcelona.

And despite their financial situation and Manchester City’s reluctance to do business, Barcelona are growing confident of the possibility of signing Silva this summer, reports Helena Condis of COPE.

The same has been communicated to Silva’s agent, Jorge Mendes, who himself has promised the Portuguese international of getting him his dream move to Barcelona this summer.

There had been speculations of a potential swap deal involving Frenkie de Jong and Silva, but the report from Helena Condis clarifies that Manchester City are not interested in signing the Netherlands international as part of the deal for their superstar midfielder.

The recent activation of the economic levers is set to equip Barça with the funds requisite to go after their targets in the summer. At the same time, they are also hoping to generate revenue from the sale of de Jong, who is linked with City’s neighbours Manchester United.

The Dutchman’s potential departure would also free up space on the wage bill for Barcelona to accommodate Silva on their payroll while staying within the salary limits imposed by La Liga.

It promises to be a tricky summer for Barcelona, who will have to pick and choose their targets carefully. With moves for Robert Lewandowski and Jules Kounde believed to be the topmost priorities, it will be interesting to see if they can also add Silva to their roster.