As the summer transfer window approaches, Manchester City face a potential exodus of their star players, with Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva at the heart of swirling speculation. The 30-year-old, a linchpin in City’s golden era under Pep Guardiola, is reportedly in talks with his boyhood club, Benfica, for a sensational homecoming. The news comes hot on the heels of Kevin De Bruyne’s announcement that he will depart the Etihad at season’s end, signaling a seismic shift for the Premier League champions, who currently languish in fifth place. Silva’s possible exit, driven by a deep emotional connection to Benfica, could mark the end of an illustrious chapter for both player and club.
Silva’s journey with Manchester City, which began with a £43.5 million move from Monaco in 2017, has been nothing short of extraordinary. With 394 appearances, 70 goals, and 17 trophies—including six Premier League titles and a Champions League crown—he’s etched his name as a club legend. Yet, the midfielder’s contract, set to expire in June 2026, and his desire to return to Portugal have fueled transfer rumors. Benfica, where Silva honed his craft from 2002 to 2015, has initiated discussions with both the player and City, viewing him as a symbolic figure to replace the retiring Ángel Di María. “I wanted to win a Premier League, I wanted to win a Champions League, I wanted to win an FA Cup,” Silva reflected earlier this year. “But I never thought specifically that I would, in seven years, win six Premier Leagues. The journey has just been crazy.”
The prospect of returning to Estádio da Luz holds profound significance for Silva, who made just three senior appearances for Benfica before his 2015 move to Monaco. Portuguese media reports indicate he’s willing to take a significant pay cut from his £300,000-a-week salary to make the dream a reality, a testament to his emotional bond with the Lisbon club. Initial negotiations have been held, though Benfica are reluctant to meet Silva’s €50 million release clause, suggesting a complex deal lies ahead. The club’s vision, led by incoming City director of football Hugo Viana, sees Silva as more than a sporting asset but a beacon of pride for fans, embodying the “emotional purpose” of his return.
City’s current campaign has been marred by inconsistency, with injuries to Rodri, De Bruyne, and Phil Foden exposing vulnerabilities. Silva, one of the few players to avoid injury, has been a constant, featuring in every matchday squad and showcasing his versatility across midfield, wing, and even as a false nine. Despite his efforts, former player Martin O’Neill criticized Silva’s lack of impact, stating, “Bernardo Silva: just no impact in the game, not just this game, but for most of the season.” Such critiques contrast with Silva’s earlier sentiments of loyalty, as he expressed hope to “see out his contract” and achieve further triumphs, joking about outlasting opponents who “couldn’t beat me, so you had to buy me.”
The transfer talk isn’t limited to Benfica. Barcelona, long-time admirers, remain a possibility, though their financial constraints make a move unlikely. Real Madrid and Saudi clubs have also been mentioned, but Silva’s heart appears set on Portugal. Guardiola, who once called Silva “incredibly strong and an incredible lad,” has stayed tight-lipped on the matter, noting last summer, “There are many rumours… but no one has called us so far.” With City planning a squad overhaul, including pursuits of talents like Florian Wirtz and Andrea Cambiaso, Silva’s departure could pave the way for younger blood.
As City brace for a challenging summer, Silva’s potential exit looms large. His return to Benfica would not only close a personal circle but also reshape the landscape of a club navigating transition. For now, Silva remains a City warrior, but the allure of home may soon prove irresistible.