KEY POINTS

  • Bernardo Silva has a contract with City until 2025
  • He is into his sixth season at the Etihad Stadium
  • City and Barcelona played a friendly game Wednesday

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has admitted that his midfielder Bernardo Silva "really likes Barcelona" amid the Portuguese midfielder's transfer links with the La Liga side.

City and Barcelona faced off in a friendly fixture that ended in a 3-3 draw at Camp Nou on Wednesday. The match was played to raise funds and awareness for research on ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease.

In a post-match conference, Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez and Guardiola discussed transfer rumors regarding Silva.

"I love Bernardo as a player," Xavi said."He understands everything and has an amazing ability to make decisions. He's a very important player for Pep and he makes the difference on the pitch," he added, according to Goal.com.

Responding to Xavi's comments, Guardiola said, "We want Bernardo Silva with us but I don't want anyone to be unhappy here. The first thing would be for the two clubs to come to an agreement - then of course, I want him in my team. It's true that Bernardo Silva really likes FC Barcelona."

Even though Xavi has been an admirer of Silva, it will be difficult for the Catalans to land the Portugal national considering their ongoing financial crisis.

Silva, who has a contract until 2025 with the Etihad club, is also a target of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

The Ligue 1 champions have made an offer of around $70 million for Silva. But it is expected to be turned down by Manchester City as the Premier League champions have labeled the midfielder with an asking price of $90 million, according to French outlet L'Equipe.

Earlier, Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero said Silva could make a move to Camp Nou, much like what he did last summer. After spending a decade at Etihad Stadium, Aguero had decided to take a new challenge at Barcelona, but unfortunately, a heart issue forced him to end his La Liga career prematurely.

Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva
Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva AFP / Attila KISBENEDEK

Silva, who is into his sixth season at Man City, has netted 48 goals and 51 assists in 253 appearances for the club and has been instrumental in the success they have tasted over the years, including winning four league titles.