“We would’ve sold him” – City Football Group Director lifts lid on Barcelona’s pursuit of Bernardo Silva

City Football Group Director Joan Patsy has sensationally detailed Barcelona’s failed summer pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva.

Silva, who joined Manchester City from Monaco in 2017, has been heavily linked with a possible move away from the Etihad Stadium over the past two years.

The 28 year-old is contracted to the Sky Blues until 2025 but hasn’t hid is desire to potentially play elsewhere in Europe, having been of interest to both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.

Barcelona have been strongly linked with the Portugal midfielder in the past, with continued talk of a possible move to Catalonia during the summer transfer window.

Silva has featured in every game for Pep Guardiola so far this season, extending this remarkable record from the bench during Thursday’s 3-2 win over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup.

The Portuguese midfielder is claimed to have requested to leave the Premier League champions during the off-season, with CFG Director Joan Patsy having detailed the likelihood of a transfer to the Camp Nou in a recent interview.

“Bernardo Silva told us in the summer that he wanted to leave Man City, but no one came to look for him. Barça? They had no money…”

“If Barça had been able to put what we asked for Bernardo, we would’ve sold him.

“Anyone can leave Man City: if Bernardo comes and says he wants to leave for Barça, he will leave if Barça pays the money we are asking for.”

French champions PSG were also linked with the 28 year-old, although it is unknown whether the Ligue 1 side or La Liga giants Barcelona will return for Bernardo next summer.

Spanish journalist Alfredo Martinez recently reported that the Catalan club have already ‘definitely ruled out’ signing the four-time Premier League winner in 2023.

Manchester City are expected to look at adding to their midfield next summer, with Ilkay Gundogan out of contract and the club widely claimed to be planning to rival Liverpool and Real Madrid for the signature of Jude Bellingham.