Transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has responded to major claims made by Barcelona forward Joao Felix about persuading Manchester City attacking midfielder Bernardo Silva to join him at the Nou Camp.
The Portuguese teammates will know each other well from their time playing together on international duty, but could they also be club colleagues next season? Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for his latest Daily Briefing column, Romano confirmed that Felix’s claims about talking Silva into joining Barca were serious.
Still, whether that leads to Silva making the move remains to be seen, with Romano pointing out that a crucial detail of this saga will be whether or not Barcelona can afford the deal due to Financial Fair Play concerns.
Romano says Silva has a £50million release clause in his new Man City contract, but that could still be a lot of money for Barca to pay for the 29-year-old, even if he’d undoubtedly be a tempting signing for any top club.
Indeed, Barcelona also might not be alone in their pursuit of Silva, with Romano also naming Paris Saint-Germain as previous admirers of his.
Bernardo Silva transfer – what’s the situation?
Discussing Silva’s future and Felix’s quotes, Romano said: “Joao Felix has no doubt raised some eyebrows with his comments about talking to Portuguese teammate Bernardo Silva about joining him at Barcelona. Felix has made it clear he’s convinced Bernardo to come to Barca, and that they’ve spoken about life in the city and places to live.
“Still, Felix also added an important point that it’s not down to the player for now. Even though what he said was a serious statement, but again, the crucial point is Financial Fair Play for this story: Barca still don’t know how much they can spend, how it will work, so we’re at really early stages of the story. For sure Joao is big friend of Bernardo and he’d love Bernardo to join him at the Nou Camp.
“Bernardo has been on Barcelona’s list for a long time – he was wanted by them last summer, but also by Paris Saint-Germain. At that time, Manchester City decided to extend his contract, but with a release clause, which is worth £50m and which is valid this summer. Interest from Barca has always been there, but let’s see what happens now with FFP, which will be crucial.
“So, the clause is there, and Felix would be happy to have his fellow countryman and friend alongside him, but let’s see what Barcelona will decide to do, and PSG as well, but for sure it looks like one to watch for this summer.”