Although Grealish has been training with City for several weeks, some players who competed in Euro 2024 joined the squad only recently.
Ahead of their match against Manchester United at Wembley this weekend, Grealish playfully mocked Silva for apparently outshining him during training on Wednesday.
Alongside posting a photo of some of his City team-mates, he wrote in an Instagram story: “It was a great day today seeing all the lads again but nothing is better than beating @bernardocarvalhosilva in training.
Unlucky pal nice to have you back.”
This season is crucial for both Jack Grealish and Manchester City.
The club aims to secure a record-extending fifth consecutive Premier League title, with this potentially being manager Pep Guardiola’s final season, as his contract expires next summer.
Grealish, 28, was not a consistent starter for City last season and consequently lost his place in the England squad. Therefore, he is eager to make a strong start in the 2024/25 campaign.
City will face Manchester United in the Community Shield at Wembley on Saturday, before beginning their Premier League title defense against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on August 18.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are reportedly ending their pursuit of Manchester City star Bernardo Silva, according to French media sources.
Le Parisien has reported that the Ligue 1 champions have decided to halt their efforts to bring the 29-year-old to the French capital this summer. Silva had been frequently linked with a move to PSG since Luis Campos became the club’s sporting director in 2022.
Campos, who shares Portuguese roots with Silva, had been keen on securing his transfer, but after recent unsuccessful attempts, PSG will now shift their focus elsewhere.
The report also suggested that PSG had initially planned to revisit the deal for Silva this summer, but those plans have now changed.
With Manchester City and manager Pep Guardiola determined to retain the experienced playmaker, Campos and PSG coach Luis Enrique have decided to prioritize other areas of the squad.
Instead of pursuing right-wingers, PSG will now focus on strengthening the left-wing position, with Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia emerging as a top target.
Despite the ongoing transfer speculation, Silva has expressed his long-term ambitions for the remainder of his playing career.
“I want to return to Benfica. If the club wants me at the time, obviously things will happen,” he told CNN. “I was incapable of playing for Porto or Sporting. It’s not going to happen.”
After enduring disappointment from the recent FA Cup final loss to Manchester United, which concluded the 2023-24 campaign, Bernardo Silva is set to take a well-deserved break before joining his Portuguese teammates for Euro 2024.
Silva signed a contract extension with Manchester City last summer, committing to the club until 2026. However, the contract reportedly includes a release clause of just £50 million ($62 million) if he decides to move elsewhere. Additionally, La Liga giants Barcelona have also shown interest in acquiring the player.
Bernardo Silva has expressed his intention to persuade his Portugal teammate, Joao Neves, to choose Manchester City over their rivals, United.
The Portuguese star is determined to convince the £105 million-rated Benfica midfielder to join City, even though Neves has been linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Benfica, however, is reportedly reluctant to part ways with their promising 19-year-old player during the upcoming transfer window, as he holds a release clause of €120 million (£105 million/$131 million) in his contract, which is said to have become active this summer.
Neves, a product of Benfica’s youth academy, made his senior debut for the club in 2022. In the current season, he has featured in 18 matches, contributing one goal and one assist.
Having earned his first national team call-up in October, Neves made his international debut against Bosnia and Herzegovina in an international friendly.
Amid United’s search for quality midfield options due to several key players, including the sidelined Casemiro, Erik ten Hag is keen on bolstering the team’s midfield, making Neves an attractive prospect.
The outcome of this potential transfer saga could significantly impact the landscape of Manchester football.
Bernardo Silva has conveyed his aspiration to eventually return and play for Benfica.
Despite ongoing transfer rumours linking the 29-year-old Manchester City midfielder with a move to Barcelona in multiple transfer windows, Silva opted for a contract extension in the summer, committing to remain at the Etihad Stadium until June 2026.
Asked about a return to Benfica, he told Record: “I want it. If the club wants me at the time, obviously things will happen.”
A product of Benfica’s youth system, Silva departed the Portuguese club after making only three first-team appearances, opting to join Monaco in August 2014.
Following a successful stint in France, the Portuguese international made a move to Manchester City in the summer of 2017 in a £43.5million transfer.
Mundo Deportivo reports that both Bernardo Silva and Dani Olmo have contract clauses that favor Barcelona.
In the case of Silva, who renewed his contract with Manchester City during the summer, there is a €50 million release clause specified in the terms.
Barcelona has made attempts to acquire the Portuguese midfielder multiple times in recent years but has struggled to meet City’s asking price of approximately €80 million.
Nevertheless, the €50 million release clause could entice Barcelona to consider a move either in January or next summer, especially since coach Xavi Hernandez is keen on Silva.
As for Olmo, he recently extended his contract with RB Leipzig until 2027, and this extension reportedly includes a €60 million release clause.
Similar to Silva, the Spanish forward has frequently been linked with a return to Barcelona, where he initially developed in the academy before departing for Dinamo Zagreb at the age of 16.
Barcelona’s coach, Xavi Hernandez, is a strong admirer of Silva and aims to bring the Portugal international to Camp Nou during this summer transfer window.
Barcelona’s proposal included a season-long loan for Silva with a mandatory purchase option set at £50 million.
While the 28-year-old midfielder is open to a departure from Manchester City, the English club has made it clear to Barcelona that Silva is not available for transfer.
Silva has been an integral part of Manchester City since joining from Monaco in 2017 and is currently under contract with the club until June 2025.
Carragher’s warning came in response to reports linking Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva with a potential move to the top flight in Saudi Arabia.
According to ESPN, Silva has received a lucrative offer from the Middle East, which presents a tempting proposition for the Portuguese star. Carragher’s remarks highlight the potential impact of such moves on European football and the allure of the financial incentives involved.
Several Premier League stars, including N’golo Kante and Hakim Ziyech, have all but secured moves to the Middle East, leading to a concern over the transfer dealings between the Middle Eastern nation and some European clubs.
While there is no doubt Saudi Arabia has made its presence known in the transfer market, Carragher is concerned about the future of European top-flight leagues, specifically the Premier League.
The former footballer-turned-pundit tweeted on Wednesday, June 21 that has since gone viral as it rang alarm bells over the potential of top football stars abandoning Europe in their prime to play in Saudi Arabia.
Bernardo Silva is in his peak years & has been one of the best players in Europe for the last five years!
I wasn’t worried about the Saudi League taking players in their 30’s, a touch worried with players below the elite (Neves) but if this happens it feels like a game changer… https://t.co/hcDUbkGp30
“Bernardo Silva is in his peak years & has been one of the best players in Europe for the last five years,” he tweeted.
“I wasn’t worried about the Saudi League taking players in their 30’s, a touch worried with players below the elite (Neves) but if this happens it feels like a game changer.”
Who else has joined Saudi Arabia?
Interestingly, Carragher’s colleague Gary Neville also recently called on investigations into the big money transfers and offers from Saudi Arabia to big names in European football.
Wolverhampton Wanderers playmaker Ruben Neves also stunned the football world recently, after it was confirmed that he would be joining the Saudi Arabia pro league, ending speculation of a potential move to Barcelona.
Marca reports that Bernardo Silva, the midfielder for Manchester City, is nearing completion of his transfer to the Saudi Pro League.
The 28-year-old has been the subject of speculation regarding a €70 million move away from the Etihad during this summer transfer window.
Both Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona were rumored to have expressed interest in the Portuguese international.
However, it appears that Silva is poised to join the growing list of European stars making a move to Saudi Arabia.
Silva is under contract with City until 2025, but it is reported that he is open to leaving the club in order to seek a new challenge. Silva played an integral role under Pep Guardiola last season, featuring 55 times across all competitions, netting seven goals and eight assists.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante are amongst the most notable stars who will play in Saudi Arabia next season as the country looks to follow in the footsteps of neighbours Qatar and prepare a bid to host the 2030 World Cup.
Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva has received a lucrative offer to join the Saudi Pro League, and talks have already been held according to the Athletic.
However, Silva intends to turn down the opportunity.
Despite his rejection, the Saudi clubs remain determined in their pursuit of high-profile signings this summer.
It is reported that Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante and Edouard Mendy are also poised to join SPL clubs, while Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo have already made the move.
Silva is under contract with Man City until 2025, but has been strongly linked with a move away.
Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are both reportedly interested and the midfielder would prefer to continue to ply his trade in Europe.
Barcelona were interested in signing Silva in January but couldn’t raise the €70 million needed, while Man City were reluctant to part ways while the season was ongoing.
He played a vital role inManchester City’s treble-winning campaign last season, featuring 55 times across all competitions, chipping in with seven goals and eight assists.
During the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United on June 3, tensions arose between Portugal teammates Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes.
An incident occurred where Silva reacted angrily to Fernandes touching him.
It appeared that the two players disagreed on certain decisions as they made their way to the tunnel during halftime.
The match saw Fernandes equalize from the penalty spot after Ilkay Gundogan had given Manchester City an early lead just 14 seconds into the game.
Apart from the penalty which Jack Grealish was adjudged to have handled inside the area, there were a raft of other contentious decisions in the first 45.
Silva’s issue with Fernandes
Silva appeared to remonstrate with the officials when Fernandes attempted to calm him down by putting his arm around his neck.
Silva angrily rejected Fernandes’ advances before pushing his colleague away. Gundogan added a second goal after the break which turned out to be the winner.
Whatever the issues between the two were, it was seemingly settled at halftime as Fernandes walked over to City’s camp to congratulate Silva.
Fernandes has, in the past, talked passionately about the bond he shares with the City midfielder.
“I have a great relationship with Bernardo. When we won at home, he came to shake my hand. He said to me, ‘When you lose at home, you shook my hand, everybody’s hand, so I have to do it, even when I lose,” as quoted by GMS.
The duo will possibly link up for international duty when Portugal take on Bosnia and Iceland as the race to qualify for next year’s Euro Championships takes shape.
Fans fight during FA Cup final
At the same time, Sports Brief has reported that a shocking video of Manchester United and City fans appearing to exchange blows atWembley Stadium during the FA Cup final has surfaced.
However, the match was riddled with unpleasant scenes, with a section of fans from both teams filmed fighting in the stands.
Fans with opposing red and blue shirts appeared to throw punches on the concourse at the stadium in London.
Since joining Manchester City in 2017, the Portuguese midfielder has been a standout performer for the club.
However, reports suggest that the 28-year-old is eager for a new challenge after an unsuccessful attempt to leave last year.
Silva is expected to play a crucial role in Manchester City’s pursuit of victory in today’s FA Cup final against their rivals, Manchester United.
Ahead of the game, we explore what he would bring to the Ligue 1 champions.
Pointing to Paris
Silva is reportedly a priority target for PSG.
Lionel Messi is leaving the French capital on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract and the Lisbon native could be seen as a potential replacement.
Earlier this season, Silva suggested that a move away from the Etihad could be on the cards.
He said: “The plan is to end the season well, win the Premier League, go against United in the FA Cup final, and then Inter [in the Champions League final].
“After that, in the summer, we will see what happens.
Clutch contributor
Bernardo Silva won the penalty that led to the opening goal against Sheffield United in the FA Cup semi-finals
Silva has produced in key moments for City this season.
His tallies of seven goals and six assists across all competitions do not necessarily catch the eye but his contributions have been significant, including two strikes in the Champions League semi-finals.
He has proven incredibly tricky to contain in the Premier League, completing 28 dribbles and creating 31 chances while being fouled five times in the final third.
He could prove decisive once again at Wembley this afternoon.
Paris Saint-Germain look set for a busy summer and are keen to make Bernardo Silva their latest marquee signing.
The Portuguese midfielder has played a starring role at Manchester City since his arrival in 2017.
But the 28-year-old is reportedly keen on a move away following a failed exit last year.
He will likely be key to City’s chances of emerging victorious in this afternoon’s FA Cup final against rivals Manchester United.
Ahead of the game, we explore what he would bring to the Ligue 1 champions.
Pointing to Paris
Silva is reportedly a priority target for PSG.
Lionel Messi is leaving the French capital on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract and the Lisbon native could be seen as a potential replacement.
Earlier this season, Silva suggested that a move away from the Etihad could be on the cards.
He said: “The plan is to end the season well, win the Premier League, go against United in the FA Cup final, and then Inter [in the Champions League final].
“After that, in the summer, we will see what happens.”
Tireless team player
In addition to his obvious technical qualities, Silva works tirelessly off the ball.
City’s No20 hounds opposition defenders, ranking second among his team-mates in the Premier League for tackles (44).
Only Jack Grealish and Rodri competed in more ground duels than Bernardo (21), while he also managed to win possession an impressive 66 times in the middle third.
Midfielder for Manchester City, Bernardo Silva,has been chosen by Paris Saint-Germain as Lionel Messi’s ideal successor and is already part of the French champions’ succession plan.
Messi joined the Parisians in 2021 after leaving Barcelona, and he has had two exciting seasons with the team.
However, when his contract ends at the end of the current season, he wants to depart.
Silva is ready to leave Manchester City this summer for a new challenge outside of England, and according to Barca Universal, PSG and Barcelona are prepared to compete for his signature.
Bernado Silva
PSG believe they have the financial might to lure the Portuguese midfielder to the Parc des Princes Stadium this summer, unlike Barcelona, who have still not recovered fully from their financial crisis.
Silva has almost won everything during his time at Manchester City, except for the Champions League, which he stands a good chance of winning this season.
Crystal Palace unhappy with PSG
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are said to be unhappy with the French giants over their pursuit of Anglo-French-Nigerian winger, Michael Olise, All Nigeria Soccer reports.
The English Premier League club believe that the Parisian’s interest in the forward may hinder their efforts to sign Olise to a new contract, which expires in 2026.
PSG director, Luis Campos is said to have contacted Olise’s representatives about the possibility of moving to Parc des Princes in the summer, as part of an overhaul of their current squad.
Silva sends Real Madrid warning
Earlier, Sports Brief reported Manchester City will begin their revenge mission against Real Madrid when both teams meet again in the Champions League semi-final on May 9.
The Cityzens were minutes away from reaching a consecutive Champions League final last season, before they saw their hopes erased, with late goals from Rodrygo to force extra-time.
Bernardo Silva has now stated that Man City are confident they can defeat Real Madrid this term, as they are not afraid of the Spanish giants despite their impressive UCL resume.
The Citizens easily defeated Germany by a score of 3-0 in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, and they will have the upper hand when the teams meet again.
Before the halfway point, Spanish ace Rodri unleashed a breathtaking left-footed shot into the top corner to start the scoring.
But it was Silva’s rare headed goal that was even more unexpected as he doubled City’s advantage, with Erling Haaland adding a third shortly after.
The 28-year-old was given the nod over Riyad Mahrez, who had started in the last two Premier League matches and his contributions were of the highest class at the Etihad.
After the game, his manager could not help but rave about the midfielder, who had the beating of Alphonso Davies all night.
He said: “He is one of the best players I have trained in my life. He’s special.
“Bernardo Silva is a football player. What does it mean? He will play everywhere because he understands the game. Bernardo has the ability to read.
“But Bernardo is such an important player in these type of games. He can play holding midfield, false nine, he scores recently a lot of goals.
“He is a player if you say play in this position, he understands everything.”
It may have looked like a comfortable night for the hosts, but Guardiola insists that he is “emotionally destroyed” after such a tough match.
He said: “It was not comfortable. I’m emotionally destroyed. I’ve aged 10 more years today.
“It was such a demanding game. Now I have to relax, a day off for the guys, then prepare for Leicester.
“I knew exactly what we had to do. If you don’t perform really well, Bayern are able to score one, two or three.
“It’s an incredible result, but we have to play our game with a huge, huge personality over there.
“I know what this win means, but we’re going there to score goals and to try to win the game.”
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