In the summer of 2023, then FC Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández put a signing on the table that he considered key to the success of his project. His obsession was clear: to strengthen the midfield with a world-class footballer, capable of bringing imbalance, talent, and creativity in decisive moments.
Barça tried with all its might, but hit a wall. Manchester City wasn't willing to negotiate and referred to the €60 million ($65 million) release clause. This was an unattainable figure for the delicate culer economy at that time.
Hansi Flick, another way of understanding the project
Two years later, the story reappears, although in a very different context. With Hansi Flick in charge of the Spotify Camp Nou bench, the name of that player has returned to the boardroom. But this time, the German coach's response has surprised everyone: he doesn't want him on his team.
The footballer in question is Bernardo Silva, one of Manchester City's pillars and an attacking midfielder who for years has been considered one of Europe's great stars. His contract ends on June 30, 2026, which would open the possibility for Barça to sign him on a free transfer.
However, "Madrid-Barcelona" has learned that Hansi Flick has completely rejected that option. He doesn't see Bernardo Silva as the right profile to build his project and prefers Barcelona to focus its efforts on other players with more youth and potential.
Unexpected destination
Meanwhile, as Barça closes the door, in Portugal they're rubbing their hands. Everything suggests that Bernardo could return to Benfica, the club that developed him and where he became a professional before making the leap to English soccer. At Estádio da Luz, they dream of bringing back one of their great idols and making him the leader of an ambitious project in the Champions League.
The return to Portuguese soccer would fit perfectly with the moment in his career. Also with his desire to return home at a stage when he can still offer several seasons at a high level.
From desire to discard
What in 2023 seemed like a strategic signing has become, just two years later, a completely discarded option. Xavi Hernández wanted him at any price and now Hansi Flick discards him even for free.
The change in sporting vision at Barça is clear. This marks a new era in which the club is betting on different footballers, younger and with the ability to be important in the medium and long term.
The case of Bernardo Silva perfectly shows how plans change in soccer and how the same player can go from obsession to discard in a short period of time.