Man City Star Eyes Shock Summer Exit to Former Club with £300k Pay Cut

Bernardo Silva Eyes Shock Benfica Return as Man City Exodus Continues
[IMAGE: Bernardo Silva in action for Man City]

Manchester City’s turbulent season could see another star depart, with Bernardo Silva reportedly considering a return to his boyhood club Benfica this summer. The news follows Kevin De Bruyne’s emotional farewell last week, signaling a potential overhaul of Pep Guardiola’s aging squad.

Silva’s Nostalgic Move
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Silva is open to rejoining Benfica, where he began his career. The 30-year-old playmaker, who left Benfica for Monaco in 2015 before joining City in 2017, is willing to slash his £300,000-a-week wages to facilitate the move. While Barcelona has been loosely linked, Benfica remains Silva’s preferred destination if he departs the Etihad.

[IMAGE: Silva celebrates a goal for Benfica’s youth team]

City’s Aging Core
Guardiola has openly acknowledged his squad’s struggles this season, with City at risk of missing Champions League qualification for the first time under his leadership. After February’s defeat to Real Madrid, he admitted, “We have to accept that some players cannot sustain playing every three days.” Silva, nearing 31, embodies this challenge. Though he’s been integral to City’s success—racking up 69 goals, 71 assists, and 17 trophies—his contract expires in 2026, pushing the club to consider selling him now rather than risk losing him for free later.

[IMAGE: Guardiola on the sidelines during a tense match]

De Bruyne’s Exit Sets Precedent
Silva’s potential departure follows Kevin De Bruyne’s emotional exit announcement after a decade at City. The Belgian’s move underscores Guardiola’s need to refresh a squad that has dominated English football but now faces physical and tactical declines.

Financial Implications
City paid £43.5 million for Silva in 2017, and while his market value has dipped, a summer sale would still generate funds for reinforcements. Benfica, meanwhile, views Silva as a marquee signing to bolster their Liga Portugal ambitions, though financial hurdles remain.

[IMAGE: Silva lifting the Premier League trophy with City]

Legacy at Stake
Silva’s legacy at City is secure, having been pivotal to their historic 2023 Treble. However, with Guardiola’s rebuild looming, the Portuguese maestro may seek a sentimental finale at Benfica—a club close to his heart.

[IMAGE: De Bruyne waving goodbye to Etihad fans]

As City brace for transition, Silva’s potential homecoming adds intrigue to a summer poised to reshape Europe’s football landscape. Stay tuned for updates.

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