Man City midfielder Bernardo Silva’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season, so he will become a free agent.
The Man City captain looks set to leave in the summer, as there have been no talks around a potential new contract for the Portugal international, so it looks as though his nine-year spell at the Etihad will come to an end in June.
It is not clear where Silva plans to go, but either way, Man City will need to replace him, as he has been such a huge part of Pep Guardiola‘s success in the North West over the past nine years.
City will want to sign someone younger, but also Premier League proven, to ensure they can develop them into a potential future captain, much like what happened with Silva during his time with City.
Man City eye West Ham star Mateus Fernandes
It seems like City’s shortlist of Silva replacements is growing, and one name that has emerged is West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, who is a very similar player to Silva in terms of style and characteristics.
According to Football Insider, Man City are keeping tabs on the 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder at the London Stadium, and are plotting a potential summer move for him to become Silva’s long-term replacement.
It would make sense for City, as Fernandes is young, Portuguese, and creative, everything that Silva was when he first made the move to the Etihad. This season, he’s made 25 appearances for the Hammers, scoring four goals, and providing three assists.
It is understood that West Ham wouldn’t allow him to leave in January, as they are fighting hard against relegation, but they could be willing to sanction an exit in the summer if the fee is right. The Hammers paid £42m for Fernandes from Southampton last summer.
What has Silva said about his future?
The Man City star has hinted that he will be leaving in the summer, but did emphasise that he wants to give his all before leaving, hoping to secure silverware in his last season at the Etihad.
He said in an interview with Manchester Evening News: “I’m enjoying this season. I’m trying to give it all for the club that gave me this opportunity to be here for so long and to achieve what I achieved. Until the end I’m going to be here fighting for the club and for the fans.”