Bernardo Silva was reportedly available for £60 million in the summer, while the Borussia Dortmund sporting director has confirmed there is a clause in Erling Haaland’s contract that could see him leave this summer.
Manchester City’s season may have looked a whole lot different had things played out differently in the summer.
Bernardo Silva was strongly linked with a move away from the club, as City successfully pursued Jack Grealish and unsuccessfully chased Harry Kane.
In the end, Silva stayed where he was and the Portugal international has arguably been the team’s standout player this season. His brace against Watford put City back on top of the Premier League on Saturday night.
Mirror Sport has the latest City transfer news, including details on how close Bernardo came to leaving the club in the summer.
Silva’s asking price revealed
According to Fabrizio Romano, Bernardo would have left City to join Atletico Madrid in the summer had they matched City’s €70 million (£60 million) valuation of the player.
It’s suggested the La Liga giants were only willing to part with £38.5 million to sign the playmaker and as a result Guardiola was able to keep him at City.
With seven Premier League goals from midfield already this season, City will surely not be as reluctant to do business regarding their no. 20. Any potential suitors may feel as though they’ve missed the boat massively on one of the world’s best players.
Haaland conditions confirmed
Speaking to Sport1 (h/t the Manchester Evening News), Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has confirmed reported Manchester City target Erling Haaland can leave the club “under certain conditions” come the end of the season.
Haaland is one of European football’s most sought-after players and it’s been widely reported that a clause becomes active in his contract in the summer which would allow him to move clubs for £63 million.
Zorc was asked about that trigger amount and confirmed there is a stipulation that could see Haaland move on at the end of the season.
“The fact is that we have a contract,” he said. “But it is also a fact, and it’s no secret, that he can leave the club under certain conditions.”
Silva makes City striker claim
Speaking to Sky Sports after his brace against Watford, Silva said midfielders in the squad are relishing chipping in with goals due to the absence of a recognised centre-forward.
Gabriel Jesus is the only orthodox centre-forward in the squad at the moment, although he is not a guaranteed starter for City and frequently lines up in wide areas.
And Silva said he’s enjoying filling the void that has been left by the absence of a natural no. 9.
“My first four goals this season were all tap-ins,” he told Sky Sports (h/t Football 365). “My last few goals have been quite good, but it doesn’t matter – what matters is putting the ball in the back of the net. I’m happy to help the team.”
