Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva is at the center of transfer speculation, with a prominent Benfica presidential candidate claiming the Portuguese star wants to join the club and could be on the move as soon as January.
Bernardo Silva Set to Leave Man City as Contract Nears Expiry
Joao Noronha Lopes, who is running for the Benfica presidency, stated in an interview with Portuguese newspaper O Jogo that Silva is eager to return to his boyhood club.
“He is a great player, one of Benfica’s biggest talents, and he wants to come,”
Lopes said. He added that while Silva has a contract with Manchester City, the midfielder “will be free to sign for another club in January”.
This potential move is particularly intriguing as it would see Silva swap life under Pep Guardiola for a link-up with the manager’s historic rival, Jose Mourinho, who was appointed Benfica boss in September.
Lopes expressed his full confidence in the move, stating, “I’m perfectly convinced that this will happen”.
The 31-year-old Portuguese international’s contract with Manchester City runs until June 2026.
Despite the ongoing rumors, Silva has remained publicly coy about his future. He confirmed earlier this season that he has made a decision, but has chosen not to reveal it.
“I know exactly what I’m going to do but it’s not the right time to focus on it,” Silva said, emphasizing his current commitment to helping the club succeed.
A return to Benfica would mark a sentimental homecoming for Silva, who grew up a fan of the club and developed through its prestigious youth academy before making his senior debut in 2013.
Benfica is not the only club monitoring Silva’s situation. The playmaker is expected to have no shortage of suitors, with reported interest from Juventus, Barcelona, and several clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Silva’s future lies in a nostalgic return to Portugal, a new challenge elsewhere, or if he will continue his legendary tenure at the Etihad Stadium.
