Assistant coach Pep Lijnders confirms Bernardo Silva’s summer exit from Manchester City

Pep Lijnders revealed that Bernardo Silva will depart Manchester City this summer, urging the club to give the veteran a proper send‑off as his contract runs out in June.

The Portuguese international, now 31, has enjoyed an impressive campaign but, according to the assistant manager, this will be his final season in the Sky Blue jersey.

Speaking candidly, Lijnders said, "When he is not playing you will see how he is missed – that’s one game. Every good story comes to an end, and I hope he enjoys the last months – there are only six weeks – and has a good farewell. He deserves all that attention as well."

Silva arrived from Monaco in July 2017 for a reported £43.5 million fee and quickly became integral to Pep Guardiola’s era of dominance, collecting six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups, a Champions League trophy and two FIFA Club World Cups. He was also appointed captain for the current season.

Lijnders, who previously served under Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool before joining City, praised Silva’s footballing intellect: "I didn’t like him before. Now I love him. The way he feels the game, what’s needed – there aren’t many like him. He knows when to drop, when to make a move 20 metres away from Rodri."

He added, "Bernardo Silva is unique. The way he controls games, moves, receives the ball and leads is unparalleled. You never replace a player of his type because they simply don’t exist." Lijnders emphasized the club’s focus on nurturing academy talent to fill midfield roles rather than seeking a direct replica.

Silva, who has previously spoken of wanting to end his career at Benfica, will become a free agent this summer. Barcelona have reportedly shown interest, though neither the player nor Manchester City have issued an official statement regarding his next move.