Bernardo Silva, for the most part of last season, was among the best players in the continent, and a genuine contender for the PFA Player of the Year trophy alongside Mohamed Salah.
However, as the season progressed, and things got intense, he was rested much more often in the hopes of keeping him fit for the later stages of the UEFA Champions League.
It worked well at least until one point, as he was evidently the best player for Manchester City during the semi-finals against Real Madrid. Received the man-of-the-match trophy for the first leg and was en route mirroring that up until Rodrygo changed the game.
As City failed to lift the Champions League trophy yet again, it is not surprising to see Bernardo’s exit rumours flooding the banks. And predictably enough, he has found his name linked to the Camp Nou.
Now, the Portuguese midfielder is a superstar. And superstars cost superstar money. If reports are to be believed, he will carry a price tag upwards of €80 million, which has put Barcelona fans on high alert.
According to a huge poll conducted by us at Barça Universal, the Camp Nou faithful are split over any move for Bernardo Silva.
The poll saw 16,367 total voters, out of which the majority, but only by a slight margin, went to “Only if Frenkie leaves“, with 37% of the vote – 6,056 votes.
Frenkie de Jong is linked with a move to Manchester United and fans don’t want the club to pursue Bernardo unless his exit is confirmed.
Surprisingly, 33% – 5,401 votes – do not want a move for the Man City midfielder at all. It is likely because of the club’s strong core of midfielders, including Pedri, Nico Gonzalez, Gavi, and Franck Kessie.
It could also be because Sergio Busquets does not have a natural successor in the team, which takes higher priority in the long-term.
Finally, 30% of the total – 4,910 votes – want Barcelona to pay the ~€80 million required to get Bernardo to the Camp Nou. Even if that means he competes with de Jong and Pedri for a starting spot.
There is evidently not an overwhelming majority for any option. On another day, during another month, the results could have easily been different.
Writer’s opinion
Barcelona boast of an extremely talented group of central midfielders, and there is no doubt about that. But this is Bernardo Silva we are talking about – one of the, if not the best midfielder in the world last season.
He is an elite creator, dribbler, and has one heck of a shot loaded in his left-foot. Not to mention he is probably the only player in the world who can play roles as deep as the double pivot and as advanced as the right-wing or false 9 to equal near-perfection.
Not to forget, the age group of Barcelona’s current midfielders are rather lopsided, especially if Frenkie de Jong leaves the club. Nico is 20, Pedri 19, and Gavi 17. Not only is starting them regularly rather risky for the club, but also the players themselves.
I am very strongly in favour of signing Bernardo, but only if de Jong leaves. That is not because I rate them equally, but due to the economic and spatial situation of the club. If the Dutchman does not leave, though, then I’m not so sure.