Gerard Pique's shock decision to retire from playing has opened the door for Barcelona to make a fresh attempt to sign Manchester City star Bernardo Silva.
Silva has been a key player for City ever since he joined in the summer of 2017, winning four Premier League titles. But he was heavily linked with a departure from the Etihad Stadium over the summer window, with Barca interested in bringing him to the Nou Camp.
Ultimately, a deal was not worked out and Silva has featured in all of City's games this term. Though he remains a key member of the Sky Blues squad, Silva may soon be on his way out of Manchester.
That is because Barcelona are reportedly already planning how to spend the money that has been freed-up by Pique's decision to retire. The centre-back opted to end his career this week having seen his game time diminish under Xavi.
“It is the moment to end this stage of my life. I always said that after Barcelona there will be no other club, and that is the way it is going to be. I will support the team. I will pass my love for Barça to my children, like my family did with me. And you know me, sooner or later, I will be back,” he said.
According to Sport, Pique's departure means that Barcelona will be able to fund a move for at least 'top-level star' in the January window. Silva is said to have immediately become their top target, with the midfielder 'willing' to move. Chelsea midfielder Jorginho is another option.
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Thanks to Pique's freed-up wages, Barca also have the 'economic muscle' to complete a deal. City will need to be convinced to allow one of their regular starters to leave in the middle of the season, though.
There is confidence the Blaugrana can do that, with Silva having requested he be allowed to leave in the summer. Xavi is also a big fan of the Portugal international and is said to see him as a key part of his future plans.
The Barca boss will hold talks with club chiefs over the coming weeks to finalise his plans for the winter window. And a move for Silva is expected to be acitoned following the conclusion of those talks.
While Guardiola was ready to allow Silva to leave in the summer, it was with great reluctance. In August, the City boss hailed the Portuguese as a "superlative player" and insisted he did not want him to leave.
"I'm no one to tell Barca to forget about (signing) Bernardo. We want him to stay with us, but I don't want anyone who's not happy. The first thing would be for the clubs to come to an agreement, but there has been no offer for him in these last two years," he said.
"I don't want him to go, he's a superlative player and a great person, and there are only seven or eight days left (in the window) and we would have to turn to the transfer market. I want him to stay. That said, it is true Bernardo likes Barcelona a lot."
