FC Barcelona may have the opportunity to sign Manchester City star Bernardo Silva ahead of next season, thanks to a relatively low release clause of $63 million (£50 million) that was inserted into his contract. Silva was strongly linked to the Catalans in 2022, but the move couldn’t be completed due to the failure to offload Frenkie de Jong to Manchester United. Barca had accepted an offer for De Jong worth $92 million (€85 million), but he turned it down in favor of staying at Barcelona and working under coach Xavi Hernandez.
Although Barca’s financial struggles and challenges with navigating Financial Fair Play limits had prevented the Silva transfer in the past, there is hope that it could now go through, especially with the potential for a cash injection of $173 million (€100 million) on July 1. Despite Xavi’s announcement that he would step down as head coach, talks have been held for him to continue in the role. Silva is reportedly still interested in playing for Barcelona and Laporta’s good relationship with his agent Jorge Mendes could facilitate the deal.
If Silva were to join Barcelona, he would be reuniting with former teammate Ilkay Gundogan, who made a successful switch to the club last year. Silva is said to see his time at Manchester City coming to an end and has a desire to play for the Blaugrana. The potential transfer could benefit both parties, as Silva’s skills and experience could further strengthen Barcelona’s squad, while providing him with a new challenge and opportunity to thrive in a different environment.
Barcelona’s constant battle to balance their books remains a concern, but the low release clause for Silva could help facilitate the transfer. The club’s efforts to find the necessary funds and navigate Financial Fair Play regulations have been ongoing, but acquiring Silva would be a major boost for the team. The player’s desire to join Barcelona and Laporta’s connections to Mendes could play a crucial role in making the transfer happen, despite the financial obstacles that may arise.
The situation surrounding Silva’s potential move to Barcelona has been ongoing for some time, with previous attempts falling through due to financial constraints. However, the current circumstances could be more favorable for the transfer to finally come to fruition. Silva’s desire to play for Barcelona, coupled with the potential cash injection and favorable release clause, has put the deal back on the table. With talks ongoing and key figures involved in the negotiations, there is optimism that Silva could soon be donning the iconic Blaugrana colors at the Montjuic Stadium.