The Portugal star is out of contract this summer and has plenty of suitors
Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva could be one of the hottest free agents on the market this summer and MLS side Chicago Fire are keen to lure him across the pond with a lucrative offer.
The 31-year-old is out of contract at Manchester this summer, when he will turn 32, and he won’t be short of suitors. The Portugal star has been heavily linked with FC Barcelona and is rumoured to be drawing interest from a host of other European clubs.
Chicago Fire, however, could present him with a different opportunity and the chance to be the franchise player at a team with big ambitions. The Fire have already reached out to Robert Lewandowski as well as they seek to add star power to their roster.
Many MLS sides feel that this is the perfect time to gamble on big names with the global spotlight set to shine on the continent at this summer’s World Cup. Indeed, Chicago are not the only MLS outfit to be linked with Silva, with Inter Miami also credited with interest in the former Benfica player.
European ambition or a new project?
At only 31 and still a regular for the Cityzens, many European clubs will feel Silva is still at the height of his powers and will be desperate to take the chance to sign an experienced, elite player for free. Reports in Catalonia suggest Barcelona, and Hansi Flick in particular, are very keen on tempting the Portugal international back to Iberia.
The question for Silva, keen for a change of scene after nine years in Manchester, will be where his ambitions lie. With multiple Premier League titles to his name, does he want to try his hand in LaLiga, for example?
Or, perhaps, having won titles in Portugal, France and England in addition to the Champions League, Silva may be seeking an altogether different kind of challenge. The opportunity to front up an ambitious MLS franchise and grow the game could be tempting, particularly with the lucrative three-year contract Chicago are said to be preparing for him.
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Bernardo Silva will have many options this summer
It should be expected, also, that Saudi teams will be sniffing around Silva and, like many before him, he may find that money difficult to turn down at this stage in his career.
Another oft-suggested alternative, of course, could involve a homecoming return to Benfica. Born in Lisbon and part of Benfica’s famous academy from the age of eight, he only ever made three first-team appearances for the Eagles and may well feel he has unfinished business in his homeland.
Whatever comes next for the Manchester City captain, what is certain is that the midfielder has plenty still to offer the football world and his next club will be very lucky to have him.