Bernardo Silva has grown into one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted and influential players since his arrival at Manchester City.
The Portuguese midfielder has become an integral part of the Catalan manager’s tactical system, operating in different roles with exceptional consistency.
Guardiola has often spoken about Bernardo’s intelligence, versatility, and unique ability to dictate games, making him one of the most important players in his coaching career.
Yet, as football careers inevitably move towards their later chapters, Bernardo Silva’s future at Man City has become a key talking point.
The midfielder, now 31, is entering the final stretch of his prime years, and speculation continues to swirl around his next move.
Over recent transfer windows, he has been linked with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and even a lucrative switch to Saudi Arabia.
Despite these persistent rumours, Pep Guardiola has reportedly made it clear that he intends to keep the midfielder at the Etihad beyond the expiration of his current deal.
Guardiola Determined To Extend Silva’s Stay Beyond 2026
Bernardo Silva’s current contract with City runs until the summer of 2026. By then, he will become a free agent and would have the freedom to choose his next destination.
This scenario has attracted interest from Europe’s elite clubs, each hoping to convince the Portuguese playmaker to make one final big move.
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However, Guardiola is reportedly reluctant to let one of his most reliable players go.
According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Guardiola still believes in the ability of Bernardo to deliver on the biggest stage.
The manager is expected to push for an extension that would keep him in Manchester for at least one more year.
Considering Silva’s influence during City’s historic treble-winning season and his role in their continued dominance of English football, his importance cannot be overstated.
Silva’s Benfica Dream And The Pull Of His Boyhood Club
While Guardiola and Manchester City are keen to prolong their partnership with Silva, the player himself has never hidden his affection for Benfica, the club where he began his professional journey.
Bernardo made his senior debut for the Lisbon side in October 2013 before moving to Monaco in search of greater opportunities.
From there, his rise was meteoric, eventually leading him to Manchester City, where he has since won every major trophy available.
Silva has openly stated his desire to return to Benfica before hanging up his boots, describing it as a personal dream.
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This sentiment has been warmly reciprocated in Lisbon. Joao Noronha Lopes, a candidate in Benfica’s upcoming presidential elections, has gone as far as promising to make Silva’s return a priority if he is elected.
“I can confirm that a contract is waiting for Bernardo Silva,” Noronha Lopes told Portuguese outlet A Bola.
“And I really want to bring Bernardo in, in January. He embodies everything I want for Benfica: identity, a winning culture, and he’s a huge Benfica fan. And I can assure you that we won’t stop here.”
Such statements show the uncertainty about Bernardo Silva’s future at Man City. It is, however, certain that Pep Guardiola would like to keep him beyond 2026.
