Barcelona will try to sign Man City ‘brilliant’ midfielder on instalments this summer – report

The summer transfer window of 2024 will prove to be a hectic one for Barcelona as they look to not only offload several players from their team, but also sign assets who can cover the cracks in the wall.

The pivot position, for example, should be treated as a priority. Sergio Busquets’ departure last summer left a gaping hole in the squad, which has been not been filled by Oriol Romeu or any other player Xavi has tried using there.

Elsewhere, the club also wants to sign a left-winger, with Joao Felix seemingly the clear candidate to take over that role right now.

And after that, should money permit, Barcelona have big plans, hoping to splash the cash on one of their long-term targets.

Operation Bernardo Silva back on the table?

According to a report published by SPORT, Barcelona are keeping close tabs on none other than Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva as a summer target.

They want to sign him this summer, as his release clause will be reduced to £50 million (±€58 million). The player is also expected to push for an exit, which should make Barcelona’s job easier.

However, they will only pursue this operation if their financial situation improves, and they are able to reach stability with their FFP.

Club president Joan Laporta is considering offering City his release clause in installments to convince them, as they did with Vitor Roque’s transfer.

They believe while the move is difficult, Man City might consider his departure since the player will turn 30 this summer. They have also seemingly reached a personal agreement with Lucas Paqueta, who could replace the Portuguese, as per Santi Aouna.

Bernardo wants Barcelona move

Barcelona also have Bernardo Silva’s wishes working in their favour, as the player dreams about playing for the Catalan giants.

Not only is he a boyhood fan of the club, but has also apparently spoken to Joao Felix about the city and the team, as revealed by the forward earlier today in an interview.

“Everything I said about Bernardo Silva was true. He has asked me about placed to live in Barcelona, places to eat, the safety here, tax issues. A little bit about everything. I think I have convinced him to come here,” Felix had said.

The ball is now in Barcelona’s court as they will try to convince Manchester City to let Bernardo join them in the summer.