Pep Lijnders has announced that Bernardo Silva is set to depart from Manchester City at the end of the season, with the assistant manager expressing a desire for the captain to receive a proper send-off.
The 31-year-old Silva, whose current contract concludes in June, has been delivering outstanding performances this season. However, Lijnders confirmed that this will be his final term with the club.
The Dutch coach remarked, “When he’s absent from a match, his absence is palpable, and that’s just from one game. Every great narrative ultimately reaches its conclusion, and I hope he relishes the remaining six weeks and enjoys a memorable farewell. He certainly deserves that recognition.”
Since transferring to City from Monaco in July 2017 for £43.5 million, Silva has been instrumental in the club’s remarkable achievements under Pep Guardiola, securing six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups, a Champions League trophy, and two FIFA Club World Cups. Guardiola appointed him as captain for the current season.
Lijnders, who previously served as Jürgen Klopp’s assistant at Liverpool before joining City during the summer, commented on Silva, saying, “I didn’t hold him in high regard before, but now I have immense respect for him. His understanding of the game and his awareness of what is required are exceptional. There are few players like him who know when to drop back or when to make a critical run.”
“Instead, you seek someone who can help the team evolve and seamlessly integrate into the starting lineup. We are optimistic that our academy and the young talents we have already introduced can step up into those midfield roles as well.”
Silva has previously expressed a desire to conclude his playing career at Benfica and will become a free agent this summer. Barcelona has shown interest in acquiring him. As of now, neither Silva nor Manchester City has made any formal announcements regarding his future.
