Despite the winter transfer window having closed recently, European football outlets are abuzz with news regarding potential transfers. One of the major developments that have contributed to this activity is the situation at Manchester City, who are reportedly expected to be condemned for financial irregularities during the 2009-2018 era.
FC Barcelona also have set eyes upon a Manchester City asset that they have been linked with previously. That asset is the Portuguese international Bernardo Silva, whom Barcelona tried to bring to Camp Nou last summer. The player himself was keen to play for the Blaugranes, but the asking price that Manchester City had set for the attacker made any such move impossible for the cash-strapped Catalans.
However, if the Manchester club is sanctioned by the Premier League with point deductions, and they are not able to compete in the Champions League next season, their bargaining position will be significantly weakened. This can play in FC Barcelona’s hands as they then can get their midfield target at a cut price.
However, even if this scenario does pan out, other barriers will still be there for FC Barcelona. One such barrier will be the French club Paris Saint-Germain, who are also reported by Mundo Deportivo to be in the market for Bernardo Silva.
PSG’s negotiations with Messi for a contract renewal are far from finished, and if they are unable to retain the Argentine, they believe Bernardo Silva would be a capable player to replace Messi in their squad.
As FC Barcelona cannot compete with the financial muscle of the French club due to the Financial Fair Play restrictions, they would have to convince the player to prefer Barcelona, with their celebrated history and promising project, than PSG who would be able to offer far more in terms of wages.
