Barcelona are still interested in signing €100 million Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva in the summer 2023.
Gerard Pique’s retirement is expected to have a significant impact on Barcelona, both financially and athletically.
Pique’s retirement should also free up some of the club’s wage budget as the veteran defender was one of the highest-paid players at Camp Nou, even though the team now has few options at center-back.
In fact, in the wake of Pique’s retirement, Barcelona may even think about signing Bernardo Silva in January, according to SPORT.
One of Barcelona’s top priorities during the summer transfer window was the star player from Manchester City. After all, in Xavi’s search for the right Pedri partner, he had identified him as the preferred alternative.
Due to the uncertainty surrounding Frenkie de Jong’s future, the Barcelona coach wanted to upgrade the interior midfield position.
However, the deal did not go through because Manchester City was reluctant to part with their prized playmaker. Barcelona would not have been able to afford the expensive Portuguese international, who was valued at about €100 million, even if the English superpowers were to consider a sale.
However, Barcelona believes they are now in a position to sign Silva in the upcoming January transfer window as a result of Pique’s retirement. Not to mention that the club still has some income from the use of economic levers.
Although it remains unlikely that Manchester City would consider a sale in the middle of the season, the club could use those resources to make a move for Silva in January.
The Portuguese international may still leave in the summer, particularly if Man City fails to win another Champions League championship.
