Barcelona can sign long-term target from Manchester City for £50 million this summer

Barcelona will head into the 2024 summer transfer window with clear intentions about their spending. The idea is to restore some depth in attack by bringing in a left-winger, while also reinforcing the defence with a full-back or two.

However, the biggest area of concern is still midfield, with the holding midfield position crying out for a replacement.

Even apart from the pivot role, Barcelona are looking to sign more midfielders this summer to reinforce the team after the problems they faced this season.

The injuries to Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, and Pedri left the team struggling to make up numbers in various games, with Xavi having to use Raphinha in the centre of the park, to little to no success.

On the back of this, Barcelona will have the chance to pursue one of their long-term targets in Bernardo Silva should they be able to muster up just enough funds.

Bernardo’s £50 million clause

According to a report published by Fabrizio Romano, Bernardo Silva currently has a clause of £50 million (±€58 million) in his Manchester City contract that will be put into effect this summer.

The Portuguese signed a contract extension with Pep Guardiola’s side earlier this season until 2026. However, it is evident that the player wanted to move during previous transfer windows, and presumably got the release clause inserted in the deal.

Barcelona and PSG have been quoted with an interest in the past, with the latter even sending in official bids to sign him.

The Catalans, on the other hand, could never muster up the ±€100 million that was required to sign him, as Manchester City demanded.

The player, on the contrary, has apparently grown up as a Barcelona fan, and would love to play for the club if the chance were to arrive.

Barça Universal’s take

Signing Bernardo Silva, should Barcelona be able to gather the money to, would elevate this side to another level. The 29-year-old can play as a classic no. 8, no. 10, and on either side of an attacking treident, too.

With Gavi recovering from an ACL injury, and Pedri constantly dealing with his muscle problems, Bernardo would seamlessly find a spot in this team.

However, he should by no means be a priority for Barcelona. The club should focus on shelling out the €50 million odd on someone like Amadou Onana, or any other pivot they can.