“There is no chance!” – Manchester City exit ruled out by journalist despite recent transfer rumours | OneFootball

The idea of a Manchester City exit for Bernardo Silva back to Benfica this summer has been played down by national media in Portugal this week.

Several reports over the last few weeks have focussed on the possibility of an emotional return for the Portuguese playmaker back to his former club this summer as Manchester City maintain their intention of a significant squad rebuild.

Much of those rebuild plans will involve bringing in fresh energy and youthfulness into a squad that has been allowed to age through a lack of proactive recruitment in recent summer transfer windows.

After reports in Portugal had first suggested that Bernardo Silva himself was open to the idea of a switch back to Benfica, follow-up details within the English media stated that enquiries had been made by the club themselves.

However, Manchester City’s release clause outlined in the midfielder’s contract would prove to be problematic, with one report stating that Benfica had no intention of triggering a deal at the €50 million price tag.

Now, speaking as part of a conversation provided by Mais Futebol – as translated and relayed by Sport Witness – journalist Nuno Farinha has largely shut down the idea of Bernardo Silva making a sensational return to Benfica entirely this summer.

“Our information is exactly the opposite of what was being reported by newspapers. There is no chance, according to our information, that Bernardo Silva will return to Benfica next season,” Farinha stated.

“It is true the player has never hidden and maintains intention of returning to Benfica but, not now, not at this stage. He is 30 and still wants to complete the season, the season that remains to be completed on his contract with Manchester City until 2026,” he continued.

“He still wants to try Spain, it’s an old desire too, he was very close two seasons ago to signing for Barcelona. At the time Manchester City was inflexible and didn’t want to negotiate and he had to continue, and now he wants to continue until 2026.

“Then yes, he will leave City, he has already decided he will not stay in Manchester any longer, but Spain is the next step he wants to take, and if Spain is no longer as interested in Bernardo as it was two years ago, he could try Saudi Arabia.”

Manchester City’s recruitment bosses will no doubt be trying to find the right balance this summer between refreshing Pep Guardiola’s squad with new and hungry talent, whilst also retaining experience in the group.

Following the confirmed pending exit of Kevin De Bruyne upon the expiry of his contract this summer, City officials will be conscious of ensuring there is enough experience to carry the group through into a new era without the Belgian international.

Among the names that will fall into that category will be the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Ederson, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Erling Haaland, and the aforementioned Bernardo Silva.