Paris Saint-Germain reportedly believes that Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva is the player to replace Lionel Messi. The 35-year-old’s contract expires in June and it seems the capital club is ready for the post-Messi era.
However, PSG isn’t the only club eyeing Silva for a summer transfer move. FC Barcelona has their eyes on the 28-year-old, so club president Joan Laporta discussed Silva and other possible targets to improve their squad after winning the 2022-23 La Liga title.
“We will be in a position to make transfers if the League approves our feasibility plan, which we will know shortly and I hope the president of La Liga sees the effort we are making,” Laporta said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
“In 2015, I had [Silva] signed; I was in Portugal with his agent, his father. He is a great player from City, in this sense, nothing to say.”
Both clubs must pay a significant transfer fee to land the Manchester City star, as Le Parisien reported that the English side wants €80 million.
Silva is under contract until 2025 and L’Equipe reported that Silva is hoping to leave Manchester City during the upcoming summer transfer window. As a result, this year will be the time to part ways and secure a quality fee for the player.
Barcelona could revamp their attack with the additions of Silva and Messi; meanwhile, PSG sporting advisor Luis Campos hopes to reunite the Portugal international with his former teammate Kylian Mbappe.