Le Parisien report that Manchester City winger Bernardo Silva (28) has emerged as the number one target to replace Lionel Messi at Paris Saint-Germain. Negotiations between PSG and Silva have already reportedly begun.
As PSG aim to rebuild their attacking line, Silva’s name features prominently alongside the club’s pursuit of a new striker, with Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen also on their wish-list. With Lionel Messi’s departure on the horizon, PSG are reportedly looking for a dynamic playmaker up front.
While Silva’s skillset cannot fully replace Messi, his ability to excel in various positions and his willingness to contribute defensively have made him an ideal candidate to bolster PSG’s attacking prowess, according to French capital’s paper. The versatile midfielder has previously attracted interest from PSG, but a deal did not materialise due to financial constraints.
Compared to Barcelona, PSG seem to have the upper hand in securing Silva’s services. The Parisian club possesses greater financial resources, potentially making an €80 million transfer fee more attainable. Silva still has two years remaining on his contract with Manchester City, making negotiations a key factor in his potential move.
Notably, Silva’s agent, Jorge Mendes, also maintains a strong relationship with PSG, particularly through Luís Campos, the club’s sporting advisor. Mendes has previously facilitated the signings of Vitinha and Renato Sanches for PSG, and his close ties to both Campos and PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi could prove instrumental in securing Silva’s transfer.
Silva himself has expressed an affinity for Lisbon and a desire to potentially finish his career there. However, he also acknowledged that playing in France presents unique challenges, describing it as a more physical league compared to England. If a deal is reached between PSG and Manchester City, Silva could reunite with his former teammate Kylian Mbappé, with whom he won the French title in 2017 during their time at AS Monaco.
GFFN | George Boxall
