Return home? Not if you ask Bernardo Silva right now
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 15.05.26. | 15:20
Barcelona, Juventus and Galatasaray remain in the picture as the Portuguese star delays Benfica reunion
Bernardo Silva may have been born in Lisbon and developed at Benfica, but the Portuguese midfielder has decided this is not yet the right moment for an emotional return home.
After nine years at Manchester City FC, and two seasons before that with AS Monaco, the 31-year-old is preparing for a major summer move, with his priority being to resolve his future quickly before turning full focus toward the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
For months, reports linked Bernardo Silva with a move to FC Barcelona, while Galatasaray and Juventus have also emerged as potential destinations.
A romantic reunion with Benfica was heavily discussed in Portugal, but Silva himself has now poured cold water on that possibility - at least for now.
"Of course, there is a desire to return one day, but it won't happen now," Silva told Portuguese outlet Canal 11.
"When the moment comes, we'll see whether the club still wants me too. My goal is to sort everything out between the end of the season and the national team gathering. The World Cup is hugely important and I don't want anything distracting me."
Silva's legacy at Manchester City is already firmly secured. Since arriving in 2017, the Portuguese playmaker has won six Premier League titles, with a seventh still possible, alongside the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2023.
He has also lifted two FA Cup trophies, with the chance to add a third against Chelsea tomorrow, while winning the EFL Cup five times.
His departure would leave a huge void at City.
Silva has already made 50 appearances this season as club captain, continuing a remarkable level of consistency. In fact, during his entire time in England, he has only twice finished a campaign with fewer than 50 appearances - 45 in 2020-21 and 49 in 2023-24.
Replacing a player of that reliability, intelligence and technical quality will not be easy. Even for Pep Guardiola.
FA CUP - FINAL
Saturday
17.00: (4.70) Chelsea (4.35) Man City (1.70)
***odds are subject to change***