Barcelona have upped their pursuit of versatile Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva and are ready to tempt him with a move to Catalonia by offering him a pivotal role in their side next season.
Following a standout 2018/19 campaign which saw Bernardo earn City’s Player of the Year award, the Portugal international slipped down Pep Guardiola’s pecking order last term as he started just 23 Premier League games – with Phil Foden often favoured over the former Monaco man in the latter stages of the season.
Now, The Telegraph reports that Barça have identified Bernardo as one of their top summer targets and are willing to surrender talented full-back Nelson Semedo – whom the Cityzens admire – in a bid to bring the 25-year-old to the club.
The Catalans simply don’t have the funds to afford Bernardo outright, so any potential move would include a swap deal of some variety.
Nevertheless, the midfielder remains a key spoke in Guardiola’s wheel at the Etihad and despite his minutes dwindling last term, he’s often been tasked with carrying out important tactical roles for the Catalan as a result of his supreme versatility.
Bernardo, most notably, lined up as an interchanging false nine in City’s impressive first-leg victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League round of 16 back in February.
However, Foden was tasked with performing the unfamiliar role in Friday’s second leg victory as the Cityzens secured comfortable progression into the last eight. Bernardo, meanwhile, was used as a second-half substitute.
Nevertheless, a move for the Portuguese man does seem a little strange on Barça’s behalf.
He’s another player who likes to receive the ball at feet when he plays out wide – Lionel Messi-esque. They need players – and wingers especially – who thrive off penetrating defences via darting runs in behind. Bernardo certainly isn’t that profile of player, although his ability to fulfil a number of roles in a variety of systems does make him an intriguing prospect.
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