Bernardo Silva’s father reveals true extent of PSG, Barcelona and Saudi Arabia transfer links | OneFootball

The father of Bernardo Silva has confirmed that three clubs attempted to sign the Manchester City midfielder this summer.

The 29-year-old ended months of transfer speculation earlier this week, signing a new Manchester City contract until 2026, following prolonged interest from Paris-Saint Germain, Barcelona and Saudi Arabia.

Silva penned a new one-year contract extension at the Etihad Stadium, becoming the third member of Pep Guardiola’s treble-winning squad to agree new terms this summer.

Manchester City were keen to keep both Silva and Kyle Walker for the new campaign after losing senior duo Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez to Barcelona and Al-Ahli.

Silva has been subject to long-standing transfer interest from Barcelona and PSG, with Manchester City having rejected transfer offers from both clubs over the previous two summer transfer windows.

The Saudi Pro League also attempted to sign the Portugal international this summer, offering the midfielder around £500,000 a week – £350,000 more than his weekly Manchester City wages.

The midfielder’s new Manchester City deal was officially announced on Wednesday evening, and the player’s father, Paulo Silva, has since revealed the true extent of the transfer rumours surrounding the 29-year-old.

Speaking to local Radio Renascença in Portugal, Paulo Silva said: “There was in fact a proposal and an intention to buy from Saudi Arabia that started in June. There was also a very strong approximation, with a proposal and will on the part of PSG.

“And there was continuity of interest from Barcelona, which year after year has wanted Bernardo in the squad. Of course, there was also a desire to keep Bernardo at City. Things were structured and the decision was made with our feet on the ground.”

Bernardo Silva’s desire to move closer to home in Lisbon and to play for boyhood club Benfica is well-documented, and the midfielder’s father didn’t rule out the possibility of the player returning to the Liga Portugal club.

“Year by year and step by step we’re seeing what the opportunities are, we cannot make a decision in three years based on a hypothesis that may or may not happen. Obviously Bernardo is a Benfica fan and wants to return to Benfica.

“Is it three years from now? It doesn’t seem to me that the decision to extend with City for another year is related to going to Benfica when he turns 32. It could be a possibility, which is a strong possibility in fact, but I wouldn’t put it as a preparation for that.”