Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and Bernardo Silva (29) all agreed for the Portuguese playmaker to leave the treble-winning side and join the Ligue 1 champions this summer, according to a feature this Wednesday from Le Parisien. The 29-year-old’s switch from the Etihad Stadium to the Parc des Princes collapsed entirely following Riyad Mahrez’s shock transfer to PIF-funded Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ahli.
The French publication states that PSG had been tracking Silva for over a year. PSG Sporting advisor Luís Campos would have reunited with the Portugal international. The Portuguese executive worked with the attacking midfielder during his three-year stint at AS Monaco. Campos even introduced him to Jorge Mendes, who became Silva’s representative.
Le Parisien reports that Campos, Manchester City Technical director Txiki Begiristain and head coach Pep Guardiola met three times this summer. Silva, whose family does not enjoy living in Manchester, agreed to join Les Parisiens and every involved party had shook hands over the Portuguese’s signing fee and his transfer to Luis Enrique’s side.
However, Guardiola – who reluctantly agreed to part ways with Silva – vetoed his departure when it became evident that another right-sided winger, Mahrez, would also leave the Etihad Stadium. The Algerian international joined Al-Ahli. PSG were then informed that the Silva deal was off. The French publication adds that Les Parisiens had already envisioned how to make the most of Silva’s skillset – so much so that the Ligue 1 champions have not explored any plan B.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
