Barcelona ‘eye double swoop’ on Man City duo as Bernardo Silva and Gundogan could switch to Laliga
Manchester City are at risk of having not one but two stars poached by a top European rival according to a fresh report from Spain.
Barcelona are said to be interested in signing both Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva. Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo claims that Xavi’s side are set to keep tabs on the pair at the World Cup in Qatar.
Gundogan’s Germany, and Silva’s Portugal, are among the favourites to win the tournament. The German’s contract at the Etihad expires at the end of the current season and he has yet to sign an extension, with the player avoiding discussing the matter when on media duties.
As for Silva, he is under contract until 2025, meaning if Barca do want to push through a deal they will likely have to fork out a substantial transfer fee for the Portuguese star. The Catalan giants have signed a number of City stars in recent years, including Eric Garcia and Ferran Torres.
Elsewhere, City manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly considering Brazil’s offer to become their national team’s manager once his contract with the Blues expires in 2023.
According to El Nacional, the Spaniard is yet to decide on his future at the Etihad, but the club’s owners are said to be desperate to keep him at the club. The report states that Guardiola would potentially be open to accepting Brazil’s offer as it could be an opportunity to manage players such as Neymar and Vinicius Junior.
Guardiola has taken charge of 374 games in all competitions as City boss since being appointed manager in 2016, winning 276 games and losing on just 55 occasions.
