Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has played down suggestions that star midfielder Bernardo Silva could join Barcelona this summer.
The Portuguese maestro came close to leaving the Etihad Stadium last summer amid interest from then-La Liga champions Atletico Madrid, but remained in England and helped the Citizens retain their Premier League title.
Silva started the 2021/22 season in fine form and elevated his status to one of the best players in the world, though his form cooled off in the last couple of months.
The 27-year-old has recently been linked to Barcelona, but Guardiola was pretty blunt when asked about the Blaugrana's chances of signing Silva.
"They will have a difficult time," he said.
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Barcelona could be set for another summer of financial struggles, though they are trying to push ahead with transfer business. They are hoping to complete a deal to bring in Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich, while Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen are still expected to sign on free transfers.
Meanwhile, 90min understands that Man City want to sign Kalvin Phillips this summer to bolster their midfield options following Fernandinho's departure.
This article was originally published on 90min as Pep Guardiola discusses Barcelona's interest in Bernardo Silva.
Source: www.90min.com