Guardiola's renewal could edge Bernardo Silva away from Barça move

Pep Guardiola's contract renewal with Manchester City may have an important effect on the transfer market. Several players from the English team were awaiting the decision of the coach, who was out of contract in June, to make a decision about his future. One of them is Bernardo Silva, wanted by Barcelona and who could now edge away from them since Guardiola still considers him key to his project. Pep wants to renew the Portuguese player's contract and the club has already set to work to convince him.

Guardiola's influence on the players is huge. He has a great relationship with Bernardo Silva. He is one of his favourite players and his goal is to persuade him to stay. Despite that, though, Guardiola previously made it clear that he would open the door for him if he really wanted to leave. "We will only have players who want to be with us." And Bernardo Silva asked City to listen to Barça, although in the end the Blaugrana did not make a bid.

The scenario is complicated again. Bernardo Silva wants Barça to make a decision now on whether to bid for him or not in order to answer City about the renewal proposal. It seems impossible that he can sign for Barça in the January window because he is playing in the Champions League and would prioritise leaving in June, but Barça's financial situation is difficult and it will be necessary to see if they can sign players within their LaLiga-imposed spending limit. In any case, City will ask for a lot of money and, even more, after Guardiola's renewal.

Another of the players who could renew is Ilkay Gundogan, whose contract ends at the end of the season. Barça are following him as they consider him an interesting option for their midfield. Especially if he goes free. The German player already made it clear that he would decide his future in the spring, so he will not leave in January, and that he was aware of Guardiola's future. With the coach renewed until 2025, Gundogan could yet stay, too.