Bernardo Silva: Latest on Juventus talks, Barca threat and rejected offers

Juventus have until the beginning of the 2026 World Cup to convince Bernardo Silva to join them on a free transfer for 2026-27, but the likes of Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Galatasaray remain lurking in the background. Here are the latest updates from Italy regarding Juve’s pursuit of the Portugal international.

Bernardo Silva has confirmed that he will be leaving Manchester City once his contract at the Etihad expires at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

Juventus are one of several clubs to have been linked with a move for the 31-year-old. Despite mentions of interest from the likes of Barcelona, Benfica, Atletico Madrid, Galatasaray and other clubs in the Saudi Pro League and MLS, reports in Italy indicate that the Bianconeri are confident of getting a deal over the line.

The six-time Premier League winner has recently confirmed that he wants to sort his next move out before he starts preparing for the 2026 World Cup with Portugal in order to keep a clear mind heading into the tournament in North America.

“I want to resolve it between the end of the season and the start of training with the National Team so I can have a clear head, because the World Cup is too important a competition for me to have my head on other things,” Bernardo told Canal 11 in Portugal in a recent interview.

Juventus hope that this will play into their favour, as the Bianconeri already have been in contact with Jorge Mendes, and plan to have more in-depth discussions with the player’s agent in the near future. According to reports from Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport, it will be CEO Damien Comolli who speaks with Mendes.

According to Tuttosport, the fact that Bernardo Silva wants to secure a transfer before the start of the World Cup gives them an advantage over Barcelona, who are more pressed to move players on first before bringing in new, star signings on significant contracts.

Bernardo has also seemingly ruled out a return to Benfica, where he began his professional career, for the time being at least: “I already told you I’m not going to Benfica.

There’s one clear intention: I want to return [one day]. I don’t know if the club will want me when I want to return. I want to return.”

And despite lucrative offers from the Saudi Pro League and the MLS, Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport claim that Bernardo still has strong ambitions to continue playing at the highest levels in Europe. Tuttosport claims that it is a battle between Juventus and Barcelona for the Portugal international, Corriere dello Sport claims that Atletico are also in the mix.

Neither of the LaLiga clubs have presented formal offers to the player or his agent, yet, though. Juventus, meanwhile, have already proposed a two-year contract with an option to extend for a further 12 months with wages in the region of €6m per season plus bonuses. Bernardo is said to want three years guaranteed at €8m, and Saturday’s reports in Italy indicate that there is room to negotiate on both fronts.

Up next is the important meeting between Comolli and Mendes, which is likely to take place shortly after the Serie A and Premier League seasons come to an end. Both leagues will draw to a close next Sunday, May 24.