Benfica Desperate to Bring Bernardo Silva Back to Lisbon as City Brace for Exit

Bernardo Silva was a virtual unknown when he left boyhood club Benfica more than a decade ago but he will return a hero if the club get their wish this summer, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal. 

Portuguese giants Benfica are desperate to persudade the Manchester Cirty star to come home this summer. 

The Etihad Stadium hierarchy are steeling themselves to lose their 31-year-old captain whose contract runs out at the end of the season.

And Benfica, currently managed by Jose Mourinho, are understood to want to bring back the midfield maestro to the Estadio da Luz.

Silva could easily earn himself a new deal with City but having won every honour, he is understood to be looking for a fresh challenge.

Saudi clubs are falling over themselves to woo him to the Middle East. 

But the current conflict in Iran means Silva and other big names won’t risk a potentially dangerous career switch to the Saudi Pro League at this time.

Chicago Fire are one MLS club keen to invest in Silva’s services. So, too champions Inter Miami.

But home could be where the heart is for Lisbon born Silva. He came through the Benfica youth academy before graduating to the B team. 

PL Legend 

Silva stepped upto the first team in 2014 and was part of the Benfica squad, including ex Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim, that won a domestic treble in 2013/2014.

But regular game time was limited and he moved to Monaco, initially on loan and then permanently.

By 2017, Silva had become one of Europe’s top stars which was reflected in the £43 million City shelled out to take him to Manchester.

It was money well spent and even though he could easily play on in the Premier League, Silva seems set to follow other City stalwarts including Kyle Walker, Kevin de Bruyne and compatriot, Ederson, out of the door.

Silva has been part of great success during his time at City, winning six Premier League titles, a Champions League, four League Cups and two FA Cups.