Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has responded to claims that Bernardo Silva could join Barcelona this summer. The Spanish manager has pour cold water on the rumored transfer despite speculations indicating that his former club are keen on the Portuguese attacker's signing.
Since joining City from Monaco in 2017, Bernardo Silva has failed to nail down a regular spot in the side but his contributions to the success enjoyed in that period bears no mentioning. The Portuguese playmaker was one of City's top performances in another Premier League winning season after continuing at the Etihad Stadium despite expressing a desire for a new challenge last summer. In the club's bid to securing back-to-back league titles, the 27-year-old scored 13 times and registered seven assists.
Currently, he has three more years left on his contract but has drawn interest from a host of top clubs in Europe owning to the role he has played in Guardiola's plans at Man City. Barcelona are said to be the frontrunners in the pursuit of the ex-Monaco man's signature but have seen their hopes being dealt a blow following the declaration by the City boss.
Speaking to the Spanish press on Monday afternoon, Guardiola was asked for his thoughts on Barcelona's pursuit of Bernardo Silva, to which he said: "They will have a difficult time."
While Barcelona's financial troubles might complicate any move for Bernardo Silva, the uncertainty surrounding Ilkay Gundogan's future could also make Man City keep hold of the Portuguese star.
