Manchester City waved goodbye to club legend Kevin De Bruyne this summer and could be set to say farewell to another of Pep Guardiola’s longserving stars in 12 months time
Manchester City star Bernardo Silva has confirmed he will remain with the club for the 2025-26 season but could exit the Etihad after that. The Portugal international is set to see his contract end in little over 12 months.
Silva, 30, joined the club in 2017 and has won six Premier League titles with the side and the Champions League. The former Monaco star last extended his deal in 2023 and has been named City captain ahead of next term.
But the midfielder’s time in Manchester could be coming to an end amid persistent links to a move to the Saudi Pro League and reported interest from Benfica. The player started his career with the Portuguese side but made just three appearances for them.
The City ace appears to know what his plans are for 12 months time but is not willing to divulge his next steps, beyond representing Pep Guardiola’s side in the coming season.
“I know what I’m going to do but it’s not the time to talk about that,” Silva said. “I’m very focused on my season.
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“I’m very focused on performing well for Man City. When the time is due I will talk about it.”
He added: “I’ve had options in the past (to leave) and this year, like last year. And this year, my option is to stay at Man City.”
Asked if he remained open-minded over his future, Silva responded: “Yes, I have one year on my contract so obviously I can leave next season… This season will for sure be with Man City. I’m going to stay.”
Silva plans to use City’s trophyless 2024/25 to inspire success as he captains the squad. “We talked a lot as a group about what happened and we learned a lot of very important lessons,” he said.
“Hopefully we’re never going to forget especially this season. We’re not going to forget what happened last season and try to make things right.
“We’ve proven in the past it’s a very competitive squad, a very competitive dressing room and we don’t accept defeat easily. What happened last season, we don’t accept it and we want to turn things around as quickly as possible. Back to try and go and win trophies.
“The manager wants us to feel like this is already the new season and the start of something important. So, we’re trying to create that type of atmosphere and this is a great competition to start at.”
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