“Incredibly valuable” Manchester City star has “very good chance” of leaving the Etihad next summer

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola with Bernardo Silva. (Reuters/Ed Sykes)

Manchester City’s momentum stalled at the weekend as Pep Guardiola’s side slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Newcastle at St James’ Park.

A chaotic six-minute spell decided the game, with Harvey Barnes striking twice on either side of a Ruben Dias header to hand the hosts all three points.

Although City look stronger than they did during last season’s wobble, it’s clear Guardiola’s transitional phase isn’t finished. Young players still need time, fresh additions are required, and some long-serving stars may be nearing the end of their cycle.

And for one key figure, that end could arrive as soon as next summer.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Bernardo Silva is increasingly expected to depart Manchester City when his contract runs out at the end of the season.

The 31-year-old has been central to City’s era of dominance, contributing to multiple Premier League titles and domestic trophies. Guardiola has frequently praised him, calling Silva “incredibly valuable” and “one of the best players I have ever trained in my career.”

But despite his importance, Silva is now believed to be eager for a fresh challenge. Several European giants are monitoring his situation, with a free transfer next summer making him one of the most attractive midfield options on the market.

The City vice-captain has made 16 appearances in all competitions this season, registering one goal and two assists. And while the club would prefer to keep him, the direction of travel seems clear.

Speaking on the Here We Go Podcast, Romano explained: “My feeling talking to sources is that Bernardo Silva has a very good chance to leave Man City in the summer, go on a free and try a different chapter.”

If Silva does depart, it will mark the end of one of the most influential tenures of the Guardiola era — and leave City with yet another major role to fill in their evolving squad.

Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, Sports Illustrated, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider.

Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.