Bernardo Silva can’t seem to catch a break from the transfer limelight. Throughout the season, the Manchester City ace has been the subject of transfer rumors. As 2024 began, the Portuguese superstar was linked with a shock return to his roots at SL Benfica. However, before the ink could dry, the club’s president put the rumors to bed about Silva’s homecoming by citing financial constraints. The honest confession came from Rui Costa, who is currently serving as the 34th president of the Eagles.

While speaking with Liga Portugal TV, the former Portugal international reminisced about his return to Benfica from Fiorentina during his playing days. He emphasized that it is not solely a player’s decision; instead, both clubs must agree on a fee for the exit. He dispelled the fans’ misconception that several former stars don’t lower their salaries to facilitate their return to where it all began. Interestingly, Costa cited Silva’s example while also addressing the possibility of return. 

He said, “Benfica is not in a position to go to Manchester City, to give a very obvious case [amid continuous links to a Bernardo Silva return], and pay €100 million [$110 million] for a player“, as compiled by Ojogo. This admission from Costa firmly closes the door on Silva’s probable return. Notably, his journey in Benfica started in 2007. There, he rose through the ranks of the Portuguese club, winning three trophies. The attacking midfielder eventually joined Ligue 1 side Monaco in 2014 on a loan deal, and a year later he was permanently signed for a then-fee in the range of $17 million.

After spending two years in France, the call came from the Manchester City headquarters and he was off to the UK, for a little under $50 million in 2017. Since then, it has been onward and upward for the attacking midfielder. While a return to Benfica looks unlikely, how about a move to the Saudi Pro League, which has gone viral? 

Bernardo Silva had thought about moving to Saudi Arabia

Bernardo Silva was also on the radar of many Saudi Pro League clubs, but he rejected the move. He said, “I would lie if I said I didn’t think (about the big-money offers from Saudi Arabia). What interested me was the heat of playing a Champions League semi-final, listening to the (Etihad) stadium going wild after scoring against (Real) Madrid in the semi-finals or when we won the final against Inter. I didn’t want to give up on that.”

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Notably, Bernardo Silva even garnered interest from European sides, including Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona. However, the playmaker decided to stay put at the Etihad. For now, his contract with the Sky Blues expires in the summer of 2026. It remains to be seen what lies ahead for him in the remaining two years. 

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