FC Barcelona Rule Out Bernardo Silva Signing From Manchester City

FC Barcelona have ended their quest to try and sign Bernardo Silva from Manchester City.

After successful pursuits for Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde this summer – while Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen arrived on frees – Silva was Barca coach Xavi Hernandez’s last remaining target in the ongoing transfer market.

With the current window closing on September 1, however, a source close to the club has explained to SPORT on Sunday afternoon that there simply isn’t enough time to sign the Portuguese international who this weekend played a pivotal part in City’s 4-2 come-from-behind win against Crystal Palace in the PremierPINC
League.

Getting round Financial Fair Play regulations is another obstacle for the Catalans, who have also faced problems navigating La Liga’s strict salary cap in order to have the likes of Lewandowski, Raphinha and especially Kounde registered to play in the Spanish top flight.

Guarantees given to La Liga this week for Kounde to finally make his debut in the competition against Real Valladolid at Camp Nou on Sunday evening have factored into the decision to give up chase on City as well.

Over the summer, it has simultaneously been reported that Frenkie de Jong would have to leave Barca in order for Silva to arrive.

And despite Barca agreeing a €85mn ($84.7mn) deal for the Dutchman’s transfer with Manchester United, he refused to join City’s crosstown rivals due to their lack of Champions League football.

Despite previously dragging their heels on the matter, it now seems that the 25-year-old and his camp will finally accept a 50% pay cut in order for the playmaker carry on plying his trade in Blaugrana.

Ahead of the Palace clash, City coach Pep Guardiola poured cold water on Barca’s approach for Silva by suggesting that his midfielder would continue at the Etihad.

“We don’t have any phone call from any club regarding Bernardo Silva, so that’s why he’ll stay,” the Tiki-taka era legend said in his pre-match press conference. “He will stay.”

Completing his own media duties on the eve of his side taking on Valladolid, however, Xavi didn’t surrender but admitted that the deal would be tough to make.

“You never lose hope, but it’s difficult. It’s complicated. We’re only a few days away. We must have players leaving too,” he stated.

Now, however, it seems that Barca have indeed called it a day and have therefore failed to deliver Silva for a second consecutive summer.