According to reports from Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona will have their eye on Bernardo Silva during the World Cup, with the Portugal star a long-term target.
Silva has been a standout player for City since he joined the club back in 2017 from AS Monaco. This season alone, he’s averaged a goal contribution every other match in the Premier League.
Barca signed seven players new last summer, but it appears they won’t be slowing down in January. The same report states there are a number of other players they’ll be scouting as they search for heirs to the likes of Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets – although Silva is not considered as a potential replacement for the latter.
They’ve endured a strong season in La Liga, sitting top of the league, two points clear of Real Madrid.
However, it’s been in Europe where they’ve had their struggles. They didn’t get out of their Champions League group, finishing third in the table.
This means they dropped down to the Europa League. Manchester United will be their opponents in the play-off round of the competition.
TIF Thoughts on Barcelona’s decision to scout Bernardo Silva…
Interestingly, it was reported earlier this month that the midfielder ‘wants to come’ to Barcelona.
We believe that Silva would be a great pick-up for Xavi’s side. With their title charge going well thus far, it would suggest Barca are looking to bring in players who will have an impact in Europe.
Crashing out of their Champions League group will have been a great disappointment, especially when you consider their high standards.
Silva, who has been hailed as ‘magic’, is a player who has achieved a lot in his career, including four Premier League titles. Furthermore, he’s an experienced Champions League player, taking part in the last six editions of the group stages.
Portugal will take on Ghana next week in their first match of the 2022 World Cup. Barcelona could well be watching that match very closely to see how Silva gets on.