Barcelona have pulled out of the running for Bernardo Silva, according to reports from Spain. The club's sporting director Deco has been unable to assure the player's agent Jorge Mendes of a starting role or a contract befitting the 31-year-old's profile, with Barcelona prioritising other attacking reinforcements this summer.
Silva will leave Manchester City as a free agent at the end of the 2025-26 season after nine years at the Etihad. The Portugal international revealed this week that he had planned his departure two years in advance, wanting to seek a new challenge before the World Cup year. Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, and AC Milan are now the leading candidates for his signature.
The news is a blow to supporters who had hoped Barcelona could land a world-class midfielder on a free transfer. With Frenkie de Jong returning from injury and the club managing tight financial constraints, Deco is expected to focus his midfield additions on younger, more affordable profiles this summer.
