Bernardo Silva recently concluded his successful stint at Manchester City after nine years. In a reflective interview with DAZN, he recounted a humorous attempt he made to entice a fellow Portuguese player to join the club. This initiative took place in 2024, alongside teammate Rúben Dias, who both sought to bring João Neves from Benfica to Manchester City.
João Neves’ Move to PSG
At the time, João Neves was on the verge of signing with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for €65 million, approximately R$ 382 million. This transfer occurred while Neves was just 19 years old. Bernardo disclosed that he and Dias made multiple calls to City, urging them to secure Neves before his move to PSG.
Manchester City’s Priorities
- City had other midfield priorities during that transfer window.
- Bernardo noted that the club had many midfielders and decided against pursuing Neves.
- In hindsight, the decision may have led to regrets as Neves developed into a crucial player for PSG under coach Luis Enrique.
During his time in Paris, Neves evolved as a key figure, making significant contributions to the team. This success prompted Bernardo to suggest that Manchester City might now feel they missed an opportunity.
City’s Subsequent Transfers
In the wake of the missed opportunity with Neves, Manchester City invested €115 million (R$ 677 million) in other midfield signings. Their acquisitions included:
- Ilkay Gündogan, who returned from Barcelona without a transfer fee but lasted only one year.
- Nico González from Porto, brought in to replace the injured Rodri, yet he is contemplating a departure due to limited playing time.
- Tijjani Reijnders, who joined from Milan, has delivered mixed performances over the past season.
Despite City’s attempts to strengthen their midfield following Neves’ departure, the performances of these new signings have raised questions regarding their effectiveness. With Bernardo Silva now absent from the squad for the next season, the focus shifts to how City will adapt moving forward.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Bernardo’s reflections illustrate a significant moment in Manchester City’s transfer history. The interest in João Neves and the club’s subsequent decisions may lead to a reevaluation of their midfield strategy in the coming years.
