Barcelona and PSG in race to sign 27-year-old Manchester City midfielder

Barcelona had their sights on Manchester City attacking midfielder Bernardo Silva last summer. The Portuguese international was considering an exit from the Etihad, which put the Catalans on high alert.

However, given the club’s financial situation, a transfer was never going to be a realistic prospect. In the end, though, Pep Guardiola and City convinced Silva to stay at the Etihad Stadium. He has thrived in the ongoing campaign, emerging as one of the Cityzens’ best players.

The 27-year-old has played 43 games in all competitions, scoring 11 goals and setting up five more. His contributions, though, go much beyond that, with Silva being the key cog in the engine room for the Premier League champions.

Owing to his performances, clubs across Europe are once again taking note of Silva ahead of the summer transfer window. Fichajes is reporting that Barcelona are back in the hunt to sign the former SL Benfica ace, but will face competition from Paris Saint-Germain.

While Barça have no shortage of creative midfielders, a spot on the right flank could be opening up in the summer. Ousmane Dembele is yet to sign a new contract while Adama Traore’s loan transfer is unlikely to be made permanent.

Should Dembele not renew, Xavi Hernandez & co. will need to sign a replacement. And, Silva can be that player, given that he is perfectly capable of playing out on the right-wing.

However, the 27-year-old is valued at €75 million by Transfermarkt, and City could demand a higher fee if they do decide to cash in on their key man. It would make things very difficult for Barcelona.

At the same time, the Catalans also have to face competition from PSG, who are looking at a squad revamp this summer. Kylian Mbappe seems set for an exit on a Bosman deal while Angel Di Maria is also in the final few months of his contract.

With there being some questions over the future of Neymar as well, PSG are scouring the market for new quality players to bolster their ranks. Silva, along with Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku, have emerged as potential targets.

In addition, Juventus are also interested in the Manchester City star apart from Barcelona and PSG. However, it will likely take a huge offer to convince the Premier League champions to part ways with Silva this summer.