Barcelona Chases Free Bernardo Silva: Could City's Star Move Without a Transfer Fee?
20 January 2026
Overview
Barcelona is pursuing Portuguese star Bernardo Silva from Manchester City during the upcoming summer mercato.
According to the Spanish show 'El Chiringuito,' Silva has made a final decision to leave City when his contract expires this season.
Barcelona is reportedly the leading club monitoring the situation, eyeing a free transfer as City plan for the future.
Context and Implications
Silva has been a staple of Pep Guardiola's side in recent years, contributing goals, assists, and experience.
Reports also point to interest from Juventus and Como in the Italian market.
Silva joined City in 2017 from Monaco and has won multiple trophies, including the Champions League in 2023.
Barcelona is prioritizing free or low-cost moves due to the club's financial Fair Play constraints in recent seasons.
Bottom Line
As Barça keeps a close eye on Silva’s situation, the transfer market could tilt toward a cost-saving coup if the Portuguese remains available on a free.
Punchline 1: If free transfers were dating apps, Silva would already have Barça’s DMs in a queue and the club’s calculator out.
Punchline 2: Barca’s strategy—saving cash while pretending it's a glamorous cap space moment. Audiences: excited; accountants: terrified.
