From Spain: Manchester City star’s contract renewal includes ‘pro-Barca clause’

The contract renewal signed by Bernardo Silva at Manchester City last month includes a ‘pro-Barca clause’, according to a new report from Spain this week.

The Portugal international committed his longer term future to the Premier League champions in August, cutting short another summer of speculation concerning his position at Manchester City.

Bernardo Silva has been heavily linked with a Manchester City exit for a number of campaigns, attracting interest from Paris Saint-Germain and an audacious proposal from the Saudi Pro League at one stage during the most recent summer transfer window.

However, it is widely believed that Barcelona have been viewed as his ideal destination should the right proposal be submitted to Manchester City. That is yet to happen, and as such, Bernardo Silva has stayed put at the home of the European Champions.

A new report from Spain has detailed the current stance taken by Bernardo Silva, and made claims around the details of his most-recently signed contract renewal, which keeps him at the club contractually until the summer of 2026.

According to the information of Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Bernardo Silva is ‘thinking about Barcelona’ even after signing a new contract extension with Manchester City.

With regards to the details of his new and improved deal at the Etihad Stadium, the report states that Bernardo Silva has received an improved salary from Manchester City decision makers, while his contract includes a £50 million release clause.

In a remarkable claim from the report, it is stated that the release clause is in fact a ‘pro-Barca clause’ included due to the player’s desire to make the switch to the Camp Nou side in the future – a desire that is understood to have been long-standing.

Bernardo Silva’s performances during the opening stages of the new campaign for Manchester City have certainly not been hindered by the uncertainty over his future during the summer months.

The 29-year-old playmaker has started the season in impressive fashion, and is widely expected to play a crucial role in Manchester City’s output this season, especially in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne.

The Belgium international captain could be ruled out for the remainder of the calendar year, after undergoing surgery on a hamstring problem suffered in the UEFA Champions League final and during the Premier League’s opening fixture against Burnley this season.