Barcelona will have to shell out more than €94 million for Portuguese superstar

Barcelona have been heavily linked with a move for Manchester City and Portugal playmaker Bernardo Silva this summer.

The 27-year-old was on the Catalans’ radar last summer and the Citizens were open to sanctioning a sale as the midfielder himself asked to leave due to family reasons. However, the Blaugrana could not raise the £60 million transfer fee.

Heading into this summer window, Barça have once again set their sights on Silva as a potential replacement for Frenkie de Jong, who has been heavily linked with a switch to City’s local rivals, Manchester United.

But, Manchester City have no intentions of selling the star midfielder, especially after the season he has had, helping the club to another Premier League title.

And, in order to price Barcelona out of a move, the English champions have slapped a price tag of £80 million (€94 million) on Silva, reports the Mirror.

Silva made 50 appearances across all competitions in 2021/22, finishing with a return of 13 goals and seven assists in the process. The energy and industry he brings to the table make him an invaluable member of Pep Guardiola’s side.

Barcelona plan to use the funds generated from de Jong’s sale to land Silva. However, the report states that Manchester City officials are confident that the Dutchman’s potential transfer to their neighbours is unlikely to be enough for the Catalans to meet Silva’s asking price.

Given that the 27-year-old Portuguese superstar still has three years left on his contract with the Citizens, the English giants are in the driver’s seat when it comes to negotiations. And, as things stand, a summer move to Barcelona for Silva looks extremely unlikely.