“Set for him to join us” – Barcelona and Portugal star issues fresh Bernardo Silva summer transfer hint

Joao Felix has thrown fresh doubt on the long-term future of Bernardo Silva at Manchester City ahead of the final weeks of the campaign.

The 29-year-old is currently bidding to help Manchester City retain last season’s historic treble triumph, as Pep Guardiola’s side continue to compete for the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and Emirates FA Cup.

The Portugal international has made 39 appearances for the Sky Blues so far this season, and is set to start against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final first-leg at the Santiago Bernabéu in midweek.

Silva is currently enjoying his seventh campaign at the Etihad Stadium, and has won 15 trophies including five Premier League titles and the Champions League, since moving from AS Monaco in 2017.

The long-term future of the midfielder has been subject to continued doubt however, with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Benfica and the Saudi Pro League credited with recent interest in signing the Manchester City star.

Silva signed a new contract at the Etihad Stadium earlier this season, but a £50 million release clause which becomes active this summer, risks seeing Manchester City lose the 29-year-old at the end of the current campaign.

Guardiola’s side have been linked with a series of midfielders ahead of the summer transfer window, suggestions that Etihad bosses could be bracing for the potential departure of the midfielder.

Barcelona’s financial problems are expected to hinder any prospects of bringing the Portuguese midfielder to Catalonian this summer, despite strong previous interest from the La Liga giants.

Barcelona forward and international teammate Joao Felix believes that Silva could still move to the Camp Nou ahead of the 2024/25 campaign however, hinting at a summer exit from the Premier League for the versatile midfielder in a recent interview with channel Jijantes.

“I told Bernardo it’s all perfect and set for him to join us,” said Felix.

“I hope Barca will go and sign Bernardo Silva. He’s a top player and top guy. He’s always asking me about Barcelona as his family is here.”

Former Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan completed a free transfer to Barcelona last summer, leaving the Etihad Stadium despite being offered a contract extension.

Joao Cancelo, who is also an international teammate of Silva’s, is currently on a season-long loan at the La Liga club from Manchester City.