From Spain: Barcelona ‘rule out’ signing Manchester City star in 2023

Barcelona have reportedly opted against moving for Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva next year, despite being heavily linked with the Portuguese star in the summer transfer window.

Bernardo Silva has been strongly linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium in the past two years, with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain having both targeted the City midfielder last summer.

The 28 year-old moved from Monaco to Manchester in 2017 and has since made over 270 appearances and won 11 pieces of silverware, including four Premier League titles.

Silva has featured on 22 occasions for the Blues so far this season and played five matches for Portugal at the recent FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

La Liga giants Barcelona have been linked with the midfielder in the past, with talks over a possible switch to Catalonia rife during the summer transfer window.

Silva, who is contracted at the Etihad Stadium until 2025, has remained with the Premier League Champions, although his desire to play elsewhere in Europe is well documented.

“If I stay, I’m very happy, and I will always respect this club and give all my best. If not, it’s football and we’ll just see what happens,” said the 28 year-old during an interview in the summer.

The Portugal internationals hopes of a move to the Camp Nou next year may however have been dashed, with journalist Alfredo Martinez claiming that Barcelona have “definitely ruled out” signing the midfielder.

The Catalan club will reportedly not return for the 28 year-old in 2023, leaving the door open for a possible return to Ligue 1 in France, should Silva leave the reigning Premier League Champions and PSG renew their interest.

City could be set for a significant shake-up to their midfield next summer, with club captain Ilkay Gundogan out of contract at the end of the campaign.

The Sky Blues have already been linked with Borussia Dortmund and England star Jude Bellingham, with Liverpool and Real Madrid expected to rival Pep Guardiola’s side for the teenagers signature.