Pep Guardiola has failed to rule out the possibility of Bernardo Silva leaving Manchester City before deadline day, admitting that the midfielder "likes Barcelona a lot."
Silva notably featured as the two clubs took part in a friendly match in aid of ALS research on Wednesday evening at Barcelona's famous home ground, the Camp Nou. The 28-year-old has been a target for the Blaugrana all summer but their well-documented financial troubles coupled with stealthy attempts to unsettle him have resulted in City standing firm.
However, Silva could yet make the move to Barcelona in the next week, as Guardiola left the exit door open for the Portuguese in his post-match press conference. "He is our player. We want him to be with us because he is very important," the City boss began following the thrilling 3-3 draw in support of Juan Carlos Unzue, an ex-Barcelona player and coach diagnosed with the incurable neurodegenerative disease.
"Having said that, I don't want anyone to be unhappy. But I don't want him to leave because he is a superlative player. As a player and as a person, he is one of the best I have ever had. In any competition he is the best player. If an offer arrives there are seven days left and if Bernardo leaves we would have to go to the market and not it's easy. Having said that, Bernardo likes Barcelona a lot."
Arriving from Monaco in a £45million deal five years ago, Silva has been instrumental for Guardiola and co during their romp to four Premier League titles since 2017. But it seems that the Portugal international - who's valued at £80m by Etihad chiefs - is open to a fresh start, particularly with Xavi Hernandez 's resurgent side.
Although Paris Saint-Germain have submitted a bid worth £59.1m, according to L'Equipe, Barcelona are the favourites to snap up Silva's signature, despite City's best efforts. In the joint press conference, Xavi was also asked to give his verdict on the in-demand playmaker.
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"Who doesn't like Bernardo Silva? Or [Erling] Haaland or [Kevin] De Bruyne?" the Barcelona manager replied. "Silva has great decision-making ability, he protects the ball very well, he's very good. It depends on City. But now there's no news."
The man himself recently spoke out amid speculation surrounding his future, having scored a goal and registered an assist in their equally entertaining 3-3 draw at Newcastle on Sunday. Silva insisted that he's still loving life with the Citizens and assured supporters that the swirling rumours wouldn't affect his attitude.
"We're only in the third match of the season, it's not worth thinking too much about these things," he told Eleven Sports when quizzed on his future. "I'm happy here, it's a club that loves me and that I love. I will always give my best for this club and this year will be the same."
