Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is unlikely to sanction Bernardo Silva’s exit ‘halfway through a season’, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The 28-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Barcelona throughout the summer and is reportedly still on their radar as the winter transfer window fast approaches.
What is the latest news involving Silva?
Silva was firmly on the radar of Barca throughout the previous transfer window, yet his father revealed that ‘no concrete offer was made’ in an interview with Spanish outlet Marca.
"There were a lot of talks, but no concrete offer was made at the times we thought were right,” Paulo Silva said.
"When he arrived, we realised that it was no longer the right time for all parties involved. Things have to happen rationally, and it was not the ideal scenario for Bernardo.”
However, SPORT now state that the Blaugrana are looking to make a number of signings in January, and that manager Xavi Hernandez sees Silva as an important part of his long-term project at the Camp Nou.
The surprise retirement of Gerard Pique is said to have freed up funds for Barca, opening up the possibility of an imminent move for Silva.
What has Jones said about Silva?
Jones has informed GiveMeSport that he believes Silva is ‘too important’ to City for them to approve his departure in the winter window despite Guardiola being ‘open-minded about letting players move on’.
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
He said: “We know that Man City are open-minded about letting players move on when they don't want to be at the club anymore and Pep Guardiola doesn't typically stand in people's way.
“I don't think that he's going to allow Bernardo to leave halfway through a season, though. He's played too many games, he’s too important to them, and the second half of the season is going to be about really getting through matches.”
How big a loss would Silva be?
Silva arrived at the Etihad Stadium from AS Monaco back in 2017 after completing a £43 million deal and has gone on to establish himself as a key player ever since.
The Portugal international has registered 50 goals and 56 assists in 271 appearances for City, claiming four Premier League titles, one FA Cup crown and four League Cups along the way.
As per FBref, Silva has also ranked in the 99th percentile for progressive passes received and touches in the attacking penalty area, 96th for shot-creating actions and 87th for completed dribbles amongst his positional peers over the last year.
Therefore, losing Silva would surely be a big blow to Guardiola and City as they look to continue winning silverware.