Pep Guardiola says he remains relaxed over Bernardo Silva’s future at Manchester City, insisting he has not sought any private discussions with his captain despite growing speculation around the midfielder’s next move.
Silva, now in the final months of his contract, has entered a period where the questions surrounding his next step are becoming louder, even if he has chosen not to reveal his intentions publicly.
The Portuguese international, who was handed the captain’s armband this season after nearly a decade of service, is approaching a decisive point.
With his current deal winding down at the Etihad Stadium and no extension agreed, he will be eligible to speak to overseas clubs from January if no new agreement is reached.
Benfica, Silva’s boyhood side and the club where he first rose to prominence, have made no secret of their desire to bring him home.
Their public interest has heightened talk in both England and Portugal about what the next chapter of his career may look like.
Silva has stated that he has already chosen what will come next, but he has been equally firm that the details of that decision will remain private for now.
For all the uncertainty surrounding the player’s situation, Guardiola is determined not to add pressure or intrude on what he sees as a personal and professional matter that Silva must navigate at his own pace.
Speaking about Bernardo Silva’s future at Manchester City, the City manager was clear that he has no intention of discussing the contract talks with the midfielder.
“I want the best for Bernardo,” said Guardiola. “If he wants to stay, I will be more than delighted but I don’t talk about that subject with him and all I want is the best for his family.
“He has been here for nine years already and he will decide with the club what is the best.”
Guardiola’s comments reflect a long-standing attitude he has taken with senior players approaching contract crossroads: trust their professionalism, avoid placing emotional weight on the decision and respect that careers evolve.
Silva, one of the most influential figures in City’s recent era of domestic and European success, has never hidden his admiration for Benfica or the desire to one day return.
But he has also repeatedly spoken about how much he values his time at City, his role under Guardiola and the competitiveness of the Premier League.
Rodri ruled out as City prepare to face Leeds
While Silva could make the starting lineup for the upcoming Premier League meeting with Leeds United, another key figure will remain absent.
Rodri, who shares captaincy duties within the squad and has been a vital component of City’s midfield structure for several seasons, has not recovered in time from the hamstring issue that has hampered him for more than a month.
The Spaniard’s injury was sustained in the win over Brentford six weeks ago, and though City’s medical staff believe he is closing in on a full return, Guardiola has concluded that Saturday’s fixture arrives too soon.
Rodri’s absence continues to be felt, particularly after City’s unexpected Champions League setback against Bayer Leverkusen, a match in which Guardiola opted to rotate heavily, resting 10 players including Silva.
The defeat in Germany, though not catastrophic to their European ambitions, has sharpened focus on how City manage their squad depth heading into a congested period.
Rodri’s availability has often proved pivotal; his presence as the team’s midfield anchor is unmatched, and City’s record without him in recent seasons has been noticeably weaker.
His return, whenever it arrives, is expected to provide both stability and rhythm to a side still trying to rediscover its sharpest form.
