Jorge Mendes pushing Barcelona to sign Bernardo Silva on free transfer

Barcelona’s annual summer link with Bernardo Silva has surfaced months ahead of schedule after Diario Sport revealed that the Portugal midfielder's representative, Jorge Mendes, has opened talks with sporting director Deco. With Bernardo set to leave Manchester City when his contract expires in June, Mendes is attempting to steer the 31-year-old to Camp Nou on a free transfer.

According to the report, Bernardo "is doing everything possible and impossible to sign for Barça for next season" and has instructed Mendes to prioritise the Catalan club. Mendes believes the versatile midfielder can slot into Hansi Flick’s plans and argues that a zero-fee deal makes the operation attractive to a club constrained by La Liga’s financial regulations.

While Major League Soccer, Saudi Pro League side and Turkish giants Galatasaray have all expressed concrete interest, Bernardo has his heart set on Barcelona and is prepared to delay committing elsewhere while the Blaugrana weigh up a move. The major sticking point is squad composition: Bernardo operates most effectively in the same zones currently occupied by Pedri and teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal, raising questions about game time as he approaches his 32nd birthday in August.

For now, Mendes continues to lobby Deco and the Barça hierarchy, hoping to secure what could be the final big contract of Bernardo Silva’s career.