In a dramatic turn of events, Manchester City's star player, Bernardo Silva's anticipated move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was halted, despite his family's inclination to leave Manchester. Silva, who has been with Manchester City since 2017, has been a pivotal figure in the club's recent successes, making 308 appearances, netting 55 goals, and providing 59 assists.
The Ligue 1 champions, PSG, were in advanced stages of discussions with Silva for a potential transfer before the summer window closed. All entities involved in the negotiations had given their nod for the move. Silva, whose contract with Manchester City was set to expire in 2025, surprisingly inked a one-year extension with the Premier League champions, throwing a wrench in PSG's plans.
Luis Campos, PSG's sporting advisor, who had previously collaborated with Silva during their time at Monaco, was keen on reuniting with the player in Paris. Reports from Goal suggest that Silva's family was not particularly fond of their life in Manchester and were ready to make a move. Campos had reportedly met with Manchester City's technical director, Txiki Begiristain, and manager Pep Guardiola multiple times over the summer to finalize Silva's transfer. However, the dynamics changed when Riyad Mahrez's transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli was confirmed. Guardiola, valuing Silva's contribution to the team, promptly vetoed the move to PSG, as reported by Le Parisien.
This summer, besides Silva, Kyle Walker, another key player for Manchester City, was rumored to be on the move. Both players were instrumental in Manchester City's triumphant run last season, where they clinched the Premier League, FA Cup, and their first-ever UEFA Champions League title. Given their significance, it was understandable that the club was reluctant to let go of both players simultaneously.
Guardiola, in a recent interview, expressed his earnest desire for both Silva and Walker to renew their contracts with Manchester City. While Silva has already committed to a new contract, discussions with Walker are ongoing. Walker, who joined the club in the same transfer window as Silva in 2017, has participated in 258 matches for Manchester City. Over the span of six years, both players have been instrumental in the club's acquisition of 12 trophies, including five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and a Champions League trophy.
The unfolding of these events underscores the complexities and dynamics of football transfers, where personal preferences, managerial decisions, and club strategies often intertwine, leading to unexpected outcomes.
