The future of Bernardo Silva has been a hot topic in Spanish football as it is almost guaranteed that the playmaker will move to La Liga after spending almost a decade at Manchester City.
Silva has opted to run down his contract at Etihad and is, therefore, available as a free agent. This has made him an attractive target, with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid emerging as the two main suitors.
Recent reports had indicated that Barcelona have not been able to close the deal yet due to financial reasons, which seemed to have paved the way for Atleti to take the lead.
Bernardo Silva’s message to Atletico Madrid
Bernardo Silva has rejected Atleti advances. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
A recent report from Gerard Romero even suggests that Bernardo SIlva was in advanced talks with Atletico Madrid over a free transfer to the Spanish capital.
However, in response to Atletico Madrid’s interest, Silva has clearly informed the Spanish giants that he prefers a move to Barcelona instead.
“My priority is Barça. And if Barcelona wraps up everything with me as it seems they will, I’m sorry but I won’t be able to join you,” he had apparently told Atletico Madrid, according to Romero.
Big blow for Atletico Madrid
All eyes on Silva’s future. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
This is a tight slap in the face for Atletico Madrid, who had been publicly making fun of Barcelona on account of their pursuit of Julian Alvarez.
While losing Alvarez is still not ruled out this summer, missing out on a free agent like Bernardo Silva will be particularly insulting for the club, especially if the Portuguese international does end up joining the Catalans.
The coming days, therefore, could be critical as Barcelona look to make enough space to be able to not only announce Silva but also register him to the squad immediately.