One of three Barcelona stars will need to be sold to fund Bernardo Silva move | OneFootball

La Liga giants Barcelona will be forced to part with one of three key members of the club’s first-team setup, if they hope to land Bernardo Silva from Manchester City this summer.

That’s according to Marca, who have this weekend provided a fresh insight into the situation.

It is of course common knowledge that those behind the scenes at Barcelona have long identified midfielder Silva as a leading transfer target with a view to next season.

The Portuguese represents something of a dream signing for Blaugrana boss Xavi, a long-term admirer of the talents possessed in Silva’s jinking boots.

The issue, however, as has so often proven the case for the Catalans in recent times, comes in the form of finances.

Silva himself is understood to be ready for a new challenge, with the prospect of linking up with Barca an altogether enticing one.

Manchester City, however, will not be moved in their stance that any club interested in the 29-year-old’s services must activate his €60 million release clause.

Cash-strapped Barcelona, as a result, must get creative.

As per the aforementioned Marca, to fund a move for Silva, Xavi will be left with no choice but to bid farewell to one of three members of his squad.

The players in question? Raphinha, Ronald Araújo, and Frenkie de Jong.

With Barca’s crop of up-and-coming talent having all been placed on the not for sale list, a more established figure will need to be sacrificed.

The aforementioned trio are considered the leading candidates for a whole host of reasons, not least their respective market values, and widespread interest in their services.

Midfielder De Jong, though, is viewed as the most likely of all to be shipped off, with his significant dent on the wage bill in need of clearing to make room for that of Silva.

Conor Laird | GSFN