Manchester City CEO Ferran Soriano has confirmed that the transfer window is shut for the club, ending Barcelona’s hopes of signing playmaker Bernardo Silva in the final days of the summer transfer window.
The Blaugrana had reportedly hoped to get one last bumper deal over the line, as per multiple reports, having already signed several top names this summer, including Robert Lewandowski and Raphina.
“It’s too late to talk about entrances and exits,”
Soriano said on SER Catalunya Radio.
His comments were echoed by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who claimed that the club intended to keep Silva for the season. However, the head coach also confirmed Silva’s affection towards Barcelona and stated that he wouldn’t want to keep an unhappy player around.
City have already sold Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, and Oleksandr Zinchenko this summer since all three players were unhappy with their bit-part roles in the first-team squad.
“We want Bernardo Silva with us, but I don’t want anyone to be unhappy here. The first thing would be for the two clubs to come to an agreement – then, of course, I want him in my team.”
“It’s true that Bernardo Silva really likes FC Barcelona.”
he said.
Premier League champions City met Barcelona on August 24 at the Camp Nou for a friendly fixture – a match in which Silva played a part. The Portugal international started the game but was subbed out shortly after the hour mark, as the two teams entertained a packed crowd in Spain.
The game finished 3-3, and all three of Barcelona’s goals were scored by players who might yet leave the club before September 1 – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Memphis Depay, and Frenkie de Jong. City, who fell behind thrice on the night, came back all three times, courtesy of strikes from Julian Alvarez, Cole Palmer, and Riyad Mahrez.
