Clear Message from Bernardo Silva: Whoever Wants Me, Wins

Bernardo Silva, who became free after 9 years with Manchester City, gave the clearest message about the future of his career. The 31-year-old star, speaking after the Portugal-Chile preparation match, said "Barcelona is an option for me but I haven't made a decision yet" and added that everyone will be informed when he makes the transfer decision. The statement confirmed news that the transfer was left to after the World Cup.

Speaking to the press after the match at the Estádio Nacional do Jamor, Bernardo Silva measured his words: "Barcelona is an option for me but I haven't made a decision yet. In the end, I'm going to try to find a team where they want me, where I feel truly wanted. That's very important. The day I make my decision, you'll all find out." The Portuguese star, whose contract with Manchester City ends in June, is thus in a position to be able to transfer for free; this has made him one of Europe's most sought-after stars.

The race is wide but Barcelona is the favourite. The Spanish press writes that Hansi Flick gave the green light to the transfer and that the Camp Nou management convinced Bernardo Silva with an offer well below his annual salary at Manchester City; it was stated that the player is ready to agree on a figure of around 8 million Euros a year. Still, Barça is not the only suitor: Juventus had approached at the level of an agreement in principle, Atletico Madrid stepped in with Diego Simeone's approval; Saudi Arabia, MLS, Sporting, Porto, Benfica and Monaco also put offers on the table. The claim that Galatasaray offered 15 million Euros annually was also in the Turkish press, but recent news writes that the Yellow-Reds are struggling in the negotiation.

Agent Jorge Mendes made a statement last week to Italian transfer authority Fabrizio Romano and said "Bernardo will decide after the World Cup." Bernardo Silva's statements also overlap with this line. Portugal will start the tournament in Group K against DR Congo on June 17 in Houston at the World Cup; Bernardo Silva's decision will shape one of the biggest transfer moves of the season.

Source:  Fabrizio Romano.

Image: 90min.com