FOOTBALL fans are convinced that Bernardo Silva remains keen to leave Manchester City despite signing a one-year contract extension.
The midfielder’s new deal – which keeps him at the Etihad until June 2026 – includes the addition of a modest release clause.
The Portugal international’s previous deal was due to run out in 2025.
Silva, 29, was heavily linked with Barcelona, and there has also been serious interest from Paris St-Germain and Al-Hilal.
In the end though, Silva has opted to extend his time in Manchester until 2026, which is a big relief for manager Pep Guardiola.
However, new details emerging in light of the official confirmation have revealed the addition of release clause worth just £50million.
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And curious fans believe that the relatively small clause offers more uncertainty around his commitment to the Etihad Stadium.
One wrote: “He really wants to leave bro😂”.
Another added: “PSG are on it already”.
A third wrote: “That is cheap enough for Barcelona and it is his dream to play there”.
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A fourth said: “He definitely wants to make sure he goes to Barca next season”.
Nevertheless, Silva, who joined the club from Monaco in a £43m deal, shared his delight with the extension and hopes to continue making more “great memories” with City.
The winger has been involved in all five Premier League title successes at City under Guardiola since he joined the club in May 2017.
Silva has also lifted two FA Cups, four League Cups and the Champions League in his six years at the club.
Last year, Guardiola described him as “irreplaceable” amid speculation linking him with a move to Barca.
And with Kevin de Bruyne side-lined for up to four months after undergoing hamstring surgery, the City boss will be happy to have retained the services of one of his most creative midfielders.
Guardiola lost captain Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona earlier this summer, while Riyad Mahrez moved to Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
