Assistant Pep Lijnders of Manchester City has strongly suggested that Bernardo Silva will depart the club at the end of the season, stating, “every good story comes to an end.”
Silva’s contract with the Etihad Stadium side is due to expire in June.
The veteran player from Portugal has often declared, “I know what I’m going to do” when questioned about his future, yet he has not officially disclosed his plans.
Lijnders seemed to confirm Silva’s imminent departure when he addressed the media following City’s 4-0 victory over Liverpool on Saturday.
“Every good story comes to an end,” Lijnders stated. “I hope he enjoys his last months—there are only six weeks left—and has a fitting farewell. He deserves that recognition.”
At 31 years old, Silva has been rumored to be considering moves to Saudi Arabia, Barcelona, and his childhood club Benfica.
Moreover, City is looking at midfielders ahead of the upcoming transfer window, with names like Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali in the mix. However, Lijnders believes that finding a direct replacement for Silva will be extremely challenging.
“You can never replace a player with an identical one because they don’t exist,” he explained. “Bernardo Silva is one of a kind. His ability to control games, his movement, his ball reception, leadership, and problem-solving skills are all exceptional.”
“You don’t set out to replace a specific type of player; instead, you seek what the team needs to evolve and find someone who can fit into the starting eleven.”
“We also hope that, through our academy and the young players we have acquired, others can step up to fill those midfield roles.”
With their win on Saturday, City secured a spot in the semifinals of the FA Cup, having already clinched the Carabao Cup this season.