Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has reportedly downplayed Bernardo Silva’s transfer links to Barcelona, with the Portuguese being regularly linked with the Catalan club in recent years.
Regarding Joao Cancelo possibly playing returning back to Spain next season, Guardiola was more open.
The 53-year-old Spanish gaffer clarified that it had never reached the point where there had been talks between clubs. Despite Xavi Hernandez allegedly having conversations with the former Barcelona manager and Silva being discussed as a desired target.
“We have not received a call from Barca or any other club. He is a wonderful player, as well as a wonderful person.
“There’s been a lot of talk over the last few years, but I insist, nobody has called us, that I recall. I hope he stays with us at Manchester City,” Guardiola told Marca as cited by Football Espana.
While this is going on, City and Barca will be having talks about Cancelo, who both President Joan Laporta and Sporting Director Deco have stated they would like to keep.
Guardiola acknowledged that it was a possibility but offered little else.
“It has to be the best thing for everyone. The clubs will speak, we’ll speak with his agents will speak. He is our player, if we don’t reach an agreement, he will have to return for preseason.
See Also: Tottenham Overtake Man United In Race To Sign Crystal Palace Star
“If he wants to stay at Barcelona, and the clubs find an agreement, then it will happen again.”
The terms would be the point of contention with Cancelo. Given that they don’t have a spot for the recently turned 30-year-old player on the team, it is obvious that City want to sell him. He has three years left on his contract.
COMMENTS