Bernardo Silva’s Manchester City Exit Confirmed As Pep Lijnders Hails Club Legend
- Portuguese playmaker Bernardo Silva is set to leave Manchester City in 2026 after nine successful years
- A club assistant coach highlighted Silva’s unique influence and irreplaceable qualities on the pitch
- Man City are preparing for an emotional farewell as Silva wraps up his career at the Etihad Stadium
Bernardo Silva is set to leave Manchester City at the end of the 2025/26 season, bringing to a close a glittering nine years with the Etihad Stadium outfit.
The Portugal international has been one of the club’s most influential players during a period widely regarded as the most successful era in their history.
Source: Getty Images
Confirmation of Silva’s impending departure came after City’s emphatic 4-0 FA Cup victory over Liverpool on Saturday, April 4.
Speaking in place of manager Pep Guardiola, who was serving a touchline ban, assistant coach Pep Lijnders acknowledged the significance of the Portuguese midfielder to the club.
Silva first arrived in Manchester in May 2017 when the English giants confirmed his signing from AS Monaco on a five-year deal.
According to L'Equipe, the transfer fee was reported to be around €50 million (£43.5 million).
He officially joined the Premier League champions on July 1, 2017, ahead of the 2017/18 campaign and quickly established himself as a key figure in Guardiola’s system.
Source: Getty Images
As of April 6, 2026, according to Transfermarkt, Silva has made 450 appearances for Manchester City and scored 76 goals.
His contributions have helped the club win 19 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five EFL Cups, the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League crown, and a FIFA Club World Cup title.
Man City coach hails Silva’s unique influence
Reflecting on Bernardo Silva’s impact, as quoted by the BBC, Lijnders stressed that replacing the midfielder would be nearly impossible.
According to the Dutch coach, football rarely offers a like-for-like successor for someone with Silva’s qualities.
He explained that the veteran midfielder possesses a rare blend of attributes that make him stand out even among elite players.
His ability to control the tempo of matches, find intelligent positions, receive the ball under pressure, and guide the team on the pitch has made him indispensable to City over the years.
Lijnders added that Silva’s football intelligence and leadership have consistently provided solutions in difficult moments during games.
Man City farewell approaching for Bernardo Silva
Despite acknowledging the challenge of filling the void Silva will leave, Lijnders admitted that every successful chapter must eventually reach its conclusion.
He noted that the Portuguese star’s absence is often immediately felt whenever he does not feature in a single match, emphasising how significant that impact would be over the course of an entire season.
With only a few weeks remaining before the campaign concludes, Lijnders said the focus should now be on ensuring Silva enjoys a fitting farewell.
After nearly a decade of exceptional service and countless memorable performances, he believes the midfielder deserves the recognition and appreciation that will accompany his final months at the Etihad Stadium.
Rodri emerges as Real Madrid transfer target
YEN.com.gh also reported that another Manchester City player, Rodri, is attracting interest from La Liga giants Real Madrid.
The Most Valuable Player of the 2024 European Championship has reportedly caught the attention of the Spanish titans.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
