On Thursday afternoon, Manchester City confirmed the speculation that had suggested that midfielder Bernardo Silva would soon sign a new extended contract at the Etihad Stadium, as they announced that he had now put pen to paper on a new 12 month deal.
The 29 year old, 82 capped Portuguese international, was already contracted up at the club until the summer of 2025, but his new deal adds a further 12 months to that arrangement and manager Pep Guardiola will be hoping that the extension brings an end to the speculation that has seen him linked with a potential move to Barcelona in the last two transfer windows, and Paris Saint-Germain and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal were also linked in more recent weeks.
“I’ve had six incredible years at Manchester City and I’m delighted to extend my time here. Winning the Treble last season was extremely special and it’s exciting to be part of a squad where there is such a hunger and passion. Success makes you want even more, and this club gives me that opportunity to keep on winning. I love the manager, my team-mates and the fans and hope we can share even more great memories in the coming years.”
It has been quite a busy summer for Manchester City on a departures front, with skipper Ilkay Gundogan making the switch to Barcelona earlier this summer, Riyad Mahrez making the move to the Pro League and Al-Ahli, and now after a five year spell at the side, Aymeric Laporte has already said his own goodbyes having agreed a new deal with Al-Nassr.
There have also, obviously, been some new arrivals. Mateo Kovacic came in from Chelsea, and they spent £77 million on Josko Gvardiol, with it also being widely believed that Rennes winger Jeremy Doku will shortly finalise the terms on his own switch to the club for a reported £55.4 million, so securing Silva up for another season will be a big boost.
Silva has more than played his part in Guardiola’s five Premier League successes after he joined them from Monaco back in 2017, and their gaffer is already on record as describing him as ‘irreplaceable’ when a move to Spain was first rumoured, and it is easy to see why given his 55 appearances last season, where he chipped in with seven goals and eight assists as they helped themselves to a Treble. Two of those goals came against Real Madrid in their Champions League second leg semi final clash, and City went on to finally lift the prestigious European trophy for the first time in their history.
City director of football, Txiki Begiristain commented.
“Bernardo has been exceptional during his time at the Etihad, so we’re delighted that he has signed a contract extension. His quality and technical ability is fantastic – and alongside his hard work and professionalism he has become one of the best players in the world. Bernardo was so important in our Treble-winning season and we are sure he can help deliver even more trophies in the next few years.”
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