From Spain: 348-appearance Manchester City star decides to quit club this summer amid emerging two-club transfer battle

Manchester City midfield star Bernardo Silva has reportedly decided to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer.

The 29-year-old smashed Manchester City into successive Emirates FA Cup finals at Wembley Stadium on Saturday evening, scoring the winning goal against Chelsea in the 84th minute of this weekend’s semi-final clash.

The Portugal international, who missed a penalty during last Wednesday’s dramatic shoot-out exit from the Champions League against Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium, scored his 12th Manchester City goal of the campaign in north London.

Silva has featured in 42 matches for Pep Guardiola’s side so far this season, and has become a key member of the Blues’ squad since signing from AS Monaco in 2017.

The versatile midfielder has previously been linked with a potential exit from the Etihad Stadium, but penned a new contract extension with the club in September, although the deal included a £50 million release clause.

The buy-out clause is expected to become active this summer, throwing fresh doubt onto the long-term future of the 29-year-old after seven seasons in east Manchester with the Cityzens.

Silva has scored 67 goals for the Blues to date, making 348 appearances and winning 15 trophies including the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.

Guardiola’s side have seven matches remaining this season, with the potential for the final weeks of the campaign to be Silva’s last in the Premier League, amid reports that the Portuguese playmaker has decided to leave at the end of the season.

Sport Witness relay claims from outlet AS, who report that the midfielder has ‘practically decided’ to leave Manchester City this summer, sparking transfer interest from at least two European heavyweights.

Barcelona are reportedly expected to renew interest in signing the 29-year-old despite their current financial woes, with an internal belief that they could facilitate a transfer due to Silva’s release clause.

Paris Saint-Germain could however be set to provide ‘special’ competition, with the French giants having also previously attempted to sign Silva.

The Saudi Pro League have previously tabled offers for the 29-year-old, meanwhile Real Madrid have also recently emerged as a potential suitor for the Portugal international, should Silva leave ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.