Former Manchester City players are reportedly attempting to tempt club captain Bernardo Silva away from the Etihad Stadium, with Turkish champions Galatasaray emerging as surprise contenders for his signature.
According to reports in Turkey, ex-City midfielders Ilkay Gundogan and Leroy Sane are keen to reunite with the Portugal international in Istanbul and are prepared to play an active role in persuading him to make the switch.
Silva’s future at Manchester City has been the subject of intense debate for several seasons, and the uncertainty surrounding his contract has only intensified that discussion.
The 31-year-old’s current deal expires this summer and, as it stands, there has been little indication that he is close to agreeing fresh terms with Pep Guardiola’s side.
For years, Silva has been consistently linked with a departure from Manchester. Spanish giants Barcelona and French champions Paris Saint-Germain have regularly been mentioned as potential destinations.
Each summer brought renewed speculation, yet the midfielder remained an integral part of Guardiola’s plans.
Now, however, the sense around the club is that this transfer window could finally mark the end of that prolonged saga.
While a move away appears increasingly plausible, his next destination is far from settled. As recently as late 2025, hopes of a return to Portugal gathered pace when Jorge Noronha Lopes, a presidential candidate at Benfica, publicly pledged to bring Silva back to Lisbon if he won the election.
That promise ultimately proved hollow. Noronha Lopes was defeated decisively by incumbent Rui Costa in November, diminishing the likelihood of an emotional homecoming in the short term.
Although Benfica cannot be entirely ruled out, the political shift has cooled expectations of an imminent return to his boyhood club. Instead, fresh suitors have entered the frame.
Italian heavyweights Juventus are reported to be monitoring developments, aware that Silva’s contractual situation could offer a rare market opportunity. Yet it is Galatasaray’s growing interest that has captured particular attention.
The Istanbul side, reigning champions of Turkey’s Super Lig, are said to have identified Silva as one of their two priority midfield targets for the summer of 2026. The other name high on their list is Inter’s Hakan Calhanoglu.
Gundogan and Sane, both former City players, now ply their trade in Istanbul. According to Turkish outlet Fotomac, Gundogan in particular intends to take a proactive role, reportedly planning to “hold a meeting” with Silva in an effort to sway him towards Galatasaray.
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The prospect of reuniting with trusted former team-mates could carry weight. Gundogan shared a successful spell under Guardiola, while Sane and Silva were key figures in one of City’s most dynamic attacking eras.
Galatasaray’s ambition has been clear in recent windows. During a headline-grabbing 2025 summer, they secured several marquee additions — none more notable than Victor Osimhen, whose permanent arrival from Napoli for €75 million shattered the club’s transfer record.
That statement signing clearly explained the club’s intent to compete not only domestically but also on the European stage. Adding a player of Silva’s pedigree would further reinforce that ambition.
However, persuading him to leave Manchester will not be straightforward.
Despite the contract impasse, Silva remains highly regarded at City and continues to perform at the highest level. Guardiola has repeatedly praised his tactical intelligence, work rate and versatility. Replacing such a figure would represent a considerable challenge for the Premier League side.
