Summer exit for Manchester City midfielder given ‘no chance’ label by journalist | OneFootball

Decisions taken by Pep Guardiola and Manchester City this summer have entirely ruled out the possibility of Bernardo Silva leaving the club, one reporter has detailed.

Despite persistent links to Real Madrid and interest from Paris Saint-Germain in recent years, the veteran Portuguese midfielder remains seen as untouchable in Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City squad rebuild this summer.

That development follows key departures already, with Kevin De Bruyne joining Napoli on a free transfer, Kyle Walker to Burnley, and speculation still surrounding the future of Mateo Kovacic — who is currently recovering from injury.

Silva, who signed a contract extension with City in 2023, has become an even more integral figure behind the scenes this summer, named as part of the team’s internal leadership group following the exits of senior figures and taking on the club’s captaincy on a permanent basis.

That promotion has only solidified his place at the Etihad Stadium, particularly given Pep Guardiola’s preference to maintain a strong core of high-character players with proven experience.

Manchester City’s stance is also influenced by their current midfield options, with the club continuing to integrate new faces such as Tijjani Reijnders, while also monitoring the development of younger midfielders like Nico O’Reilly and Oscar Bobb.

Speaking on the latest episode of The Inside Track, journalist Pete O’Rourke has entirely ruled out the possibility of Bernardo Silva leaving Manchester City in the coming weeks, despite interest from some of Europe’s most prominent clubs in previous markets.

“There’s no chance [Bernardo Silva] will go this summer, absolutely no chance,” O’Rourke insisted. “He’s just been made one of the captains at City, so I don’t think Pep Guardiola would even consider letting him go,” he continued.

“He’s an important figure in the dressing room and Man City are a better team with Silva. Pep’s already seen a few of the older, experienced players leave in [Kevin] De Bruyne, Kyle Walker.”

He added, “There’s been talk that [Mateo] Kovacic could possibly go as well, so he’ll be looking to keep hold of other experienced players. City won’t be considering selling him in this window.”

Looking ahead, Bernardo Silva could play an increasingly prominent on-field role in the upcoming campaign. While he has often been deployed in a wide-right position or advanced midfield slot, the potential tactical reshuffle prompted by new signings and departures may allow him to take up a more central responsibility.

His versatility has long been a valued trait for manager Pep Guardiola — something that becomes even more vital in a transitional summer.

From a contractual perspective, Bernardo Silva’s future only seems certain until his deal’s expiry date in the summer of 2026, although Manchester City are under no pressure to cash in or look to thrash out fresh terms.

The club are expected to lean on him not only for his technical output but also his leadership off the pitch — especially as new additions like Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, and Nico Gonzalez continue to adapt to Pep Guardiola’s central system.