He's been mediocre for three months, was exceptional for the first two and knowing what he's capable of, I'd be buzzing if we were signing somebody with his ability.
I disagree that his best days are behind him. He's 30, doesn't rely on pace and plays in a way that could see him have another 2 years at the very top if his ankle problems can be sorted.
You don't have to build an elite team around him, you do have to include him if you want your team to be elite though.
I actually don't think Silva has been mediocre this year, rather he hasn't been dominant. And contrary to popular opinion, the lack of dominance did not start after the layoff.
He had a 'best player in the league' type performance against West Brom, after that game he occilated BTW average and good. Then he got injured. The World class performance against WBA and a scintillating start to the season from City, blurred the 2.
Personally I'm of the opinion that City needs a new star or 2 to build there team around. And Silva can play support to those guys. Our team used to be built on Yaya, Silva and Aguero offensively. I think it's time to reorganize that 3 from next season.
I think Aguero and DeBryune will form 2 of the new 3. We need a 3rd and Silva can take up a role of supporting the new 3.
Really, the best way to view Silva would be like Iniesta at Barca. For a few years Barca offensively was built on Messi, Xavi and Iniesta. Then they evolved. Now they are built on the MSN trio. Yet Iniesta is still a starter, but not as important to the teams ability to win.
I want a similar role for Silva next season. I think Aguero and DeBryune are 2 of the 3. We need a 3rd superstar the team is built on, with Silva being the great player the team doesn't have to rely on.
Who that 3rd player is, I don't know. Isco seems a great fit. Might be Pogba. Maybe Neymar or even Dybala. But we need that youthful superstar infusion.
But that's my view. I'd be disappointed if we are still mostly dependent on Silva next season as the team's orchestrator.