20 | Bernardo Silva - 2023/24

[Gabriel]

Maybe unpopular opinion, but we should sell Bernardo now.

1. This might be his worst season. He works hard and it is very smart, so he is still a very useful player, but that doesn't take away that he seems to be less and less dangerous to the oposition. His dribbling and forward passing are almost non-existant nowadays. He is over 30 now, and this might the start of his decline.

2. This is the main point, he is not gonna extend his contract beyond 2026. If no one comes for him, he will go to Benfica for free. 2 years of Bernardo at the level of this season + his salary or 50m. I don't think it's as clear.

If Bernardo wanted to play here until he is 35, then sure I would love him to stay, but that's not the case. And I think we might be able to upgrade the position with Bernardo's fee of 50m + 30m.

If he stays, it is great, but if a club comes with 50m, I don't think it is that big of a deal. Whatever happens, he's had a legacy that very few players will be able to replicate. But to stay on top, you have to think always long term.

1. If this is his worst season, then why has Guardiola given him 3,617 minutes? Surely at some point the scales would have fallen from his eyes.

2. He’ll be 32 in the summer of 2026, so why would we want him to extend any longer, especially when your first point is suggesting that he’s in decline?

He’s a mainstay in the best team in England and one of the two best teams in Europe. He’s also the scourge of the other best team in Europe. We don’t need the 50 million and even with it we’d find it impossible to find someone who can play 6-7 positions on the pitch.

I think the only thing we can agree on is that it’s an unpopular opinion. ;-)

 

[merz]

still a top player but he looks burnt out to me. ofc I would like him to stay but for his own sake its probably best to leave in the summer and get a change of scenery.

 

[Gabriel]

still a top player but he looks burnt out to me. ofc I would like him to stay but for his own sake its probably best to leave in the summer and get a change of scenery.

Rodri looks burnt out, Walker looks burnt out, Bernardo looks burnt out, de Bruyne looks burnt out, and Grealish, Ake, and Stones are all out. Should they all leave for a change of scenery?

Is it any wonder we are reportedly looking at hiring a new fitness coach? We’ll probably also have a deeper squad of more dependable players next season.

 

[RayCTID]

Not a chance it would be announced, Pep would not allow any distractions and neither would the player.

If we get a 50m offer he will be given the chance to leave, PSG I am 100% certain will make that bid but will the little fella want to go to Paris?

I don't think he is that interested in a move to Paris.

 

[sir baconface]

Love the guy but I’d be relatively relaxed if he leaves now. He’s given us great service and if he really wants to go…

When we started the season without Gundo, Mahrez and KDB I looked forward to Phillipo and Alvarez getting more opportunity. Julian faded a little but had a brilliant season overall. As for Mr Foden, as we all know, he blossomed big time.

Somebody will step up for sure if Bernardo does go.

 

[RayCTID]

Let him go on a free at the end of next season. Gives us one more season to find a sutiable replacement.

 

[Keeper!]

I don't think he is that interested in a move to Paris.

Not ideal for a man that want to be nearer the Mediterranean and the sun.

 

[Gabriel]

Let him go on a free at the end of next season. Gives us one more season to find a sutiable replacement.

Why? He signed a contract until 2026 less than a year ago and upped his wages and agreed to a release clause which he and his representatives presumably considered realisable. We’re a business not a charity.

 

[RayCTID]

Why? He signed a contract until 2026 less than a year ago and upped his wages and agreed to a release clause which he and his representatives presumably considered realisable. We’re a business not a charity.

I thought his contract ran out next season but if that is the case then it would be too soon for letting him go on a free unless it is to Benfica.

 

[Gabriel]

I thought his contract ran out next season but if that is the case then it would be too soon for letting him go on a free unless it is to Benfica.

I’d still not be letting him go there for ‘free’, unless it’s somehow tied to getting Neves.