Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that he remains in the dark about Bernardo Silva’s future plan, despite the midfielder’s standout display in their 2–0 win over Villarreal on Tuesday night.
The Sky Blues continued their strong run in the UEFA Champions League group stage with another convincing performance at the Estadi de la Ceràmica.
Goals from Erling Haaland and Silva ensured City extended their unbeaten European streak, taking them a step closer to the play-off round of the competition.
Haaland struck early in the first half, capitalising on a defensive lapse from the hosts to open the scoring. Silva later doubled the advantage with a superb header from Savinho’s cross before the break, sealing three valuable points for the 2023 Champions League winners.
The result once again highlighted the team’s impressive resurgence since September, with Guardiola’s side displaying renewed sharpness and control both domestically and in Europe.
Yet, amid the celebrations, questions over Bernardo Silva’s future plan at the Etihad overshadowed the evening.
The Portuguese international, who captained the side on the night, is entering the final year of his current deal — and uncertainty continues to surround whether he will remain in Manchester beyond this season.
Guardiola’s gives honest admission about the situation
Following the final whistle, Guardiola was pressed about Bernardo Silva’s future plan and whether he had been informed of any decision from his skipper regarding a potential contract renewal.
The City boss, known for his typically measured responses, was uncharacteristically forthright in his reply.
“He didn’t tell me, no,” Guardiola said when asked if Silva had spoken to him about his future. “He’s my captain, we love each other so much, but he didn’t tell me.”
It was a telling statement from Guardiola, who has always praised Silva’s professionalism and consistency. His admission suggested that the midfielder’s future might still be undecided — or at least, not yet shared with those within the club.
Silva, now 31, was given the captain’s armband following Kyle Walker’s departure to Burnley earlier this year.
His leadership and influence have been crucial in maintaining City’s rhythm amid several squad transitions, yet the silence over his contract talks has left many within the fan base anxious.
Historically, Manchester City’s management have followed a structured policy when dealing with players over 30, assessing their performances and fitness before offering extensions.
The same cautious approach was applied to club stalwarts such as Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne, whose contracts were reviewed late into their respective final years.
Bernardo Silva’s future plan is still hidden
Speculation about Silva’s next move has intensified in recent weeks, particularly after Benfica presidential candidate João Noronha Lopes publicly expressed his desire to bring the midfielder back to his boyhood club.
Lopes reportedly views the six-time Premier League champion as a symbolic signing that could strengthen his campaign and inspire supporters.
Meanwhile, reports across Europe suggest that several clubs are monitoring Silva’s situation closely. Interest from Portugal is said to be strong, while lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia are also expected.
The former AS Monaco playmaker will be eligible to negotiate pre-contract terms with foreign clubs starting January 1, 2026, unless City manage to secure an extension before then.
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Earlier this month, speaking before City’s 2–2 draw against AS Monaco, Silva himself hinted that a decision about his future had already been made.
However, he chose not to reveal any details. “I’ve made up my mind,” he was quoted as saying, “but I’ll speak about it at the right time.”
That cryptic comment has only deepened the mystery surrounding his next move. City supporters remain hopeful that their captain will commit to at least another season, but the growing links abroad indicate that a summer departure could be increasingly likely.
