Barcelona are reportedly set to make a move to sign Manchester City playmaker Bernardo Silva after Gerard Pique’s retirement.
On Thursday evening, the former Manchester United center-back announced his retirement, and Saturday’s game against Almeria will be his last appearance for Barcelona.
Pique has been a minor presence in the club this season under Xavi, with Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, and Eric Garcia all ahead of him in the centre-back pecking order.
The Spaniard’s contract at Camp Nou has just under two years remaining, but he has agreed to terminate it in order to help the club’s ongoing financial troubles.
Barcelona have mostly focused on the free agent market during their era of economic insecurity, however they did pay heavily to add Kounde, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski to the club over the summer.
Barcelona To Sign Bernardo Silva?
A move for Man City’s Silva has been discussed for some time, with the Portugal international believed to be looking to leave the Etihad in the summer of 2021.
Silva eventually stayed with the Premier League winners, but Pique’s retirement means that Barcelona can now afford to bring him to Catalonia, according to Sport.
According to the report, Barcelona will try to sign the 28-year-old in January, but they will face an uphill battle convincing Man City to sell in the middle of the season.
Despite his open desire to leave Man City, Silva has remained a key cog in Pep Guardiola’s system this season, contributing two goals and five assists in 12 Premier League games.
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Meanwhile, Pique will make his 616th appearance for Barcelona in his last match, and Xavi has paid an emotional farewell to his old teammate.
Pique has 53 goals and 15 assists in his trophy-laden career at Barcelona, but he has only made five starts in all competitions this season.
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