Bernardo Silva might finally get the chance to land his dream transfer to Barcelona this summer if Frenkie de Jong makes his way to Manchester United.
The Red Devils have made the Dutchman a top target this year as Erik ten Hag eyes a reunion with the player he moulded at Ajax. While on the face of it, that would be an audacious move - the fact that Barca need to start selling some top players to balance their books means that an exit is viable.
Midfield is an area where United are in dire need of reinforcements after losing Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba on free transfers. The Barca star has been eyed as one of the main targets and that could have a knock-on effect up the road.
That is because Manchester City star Silva has already been earmarked as the top preference of Xavi to replace De Jong should he make the move to Old Trafford, according to Mundo Deportivo, via Sport Witness. The feeling is mutual with the Portugal international reportedly desperate to seal a dream transfer to Barcelona.
The 27-year-old nearly left the Etihad last year as he eyed a new challenge after four seasons at the club. Now ahead of his sixth campaign in light blue, this summer could be his last.
It was only because of Pep Guardiola that Silva did not leave City in the summer of 2021 but that could change in the upcoming transfer window if De Jong does make the move to United. If Barcelona launched a full-frontal assault for the services of the former Monaco man, it would hard for club and player to resist.
That would be a huge blow to City, where the midfielder had a sublime campaign to help them to a fourth Premier League title in five years ahead of Liverpool in a nail-biting finish. Last season, Silva had his best year in the top-tier after scoring eight times - 13 in all competitions.
But Barca has always been his dream where he idolised Deco and was infatuated by Andres Iniesta and Xavi. Working under the Catalan coach would also be a huge wish come true for Silva.
However, there might be a twist to the tale if City go ahead and blow United out of the water for De Jong. The Netherlands international is also being eyed by the English champions.
If Guardiola gives them the green light, it might be hard for the Barcelona star to turn down a move to the Etihad considering their wealth and stature in the game. The Red Devils will not even have the luxury of Champions League football to offer.
Barcelona are set to bring in a number of free agents including Andreas Christensen, Angel di Maria and Franck Kessie while the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Marcos Alonso are desperate to join from Bayern Munich and Chelsea respectively. United are in an opposite situation, with several players such as Juan Mata, Edinson Cavani and Jesse Lingard all departing for nothing as their contracts expire.
