It was probably Xavi Hernández's great unfulfilled aspiration. He demanded his signing during the three years he was at Barça. Now he is within reach.
The circumstances did not allow Bernardo Silva, one of the great stars of Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, to join Barça.
It wasn't for lack of desire. The Portuguese midfielder always showed himself willing to take the step, but City raised the stakes and asked for prohibitive amounts for him.
Offers Himself to Barça
But things have changed a lot at Etihad Stadium in recent months. Guardiola's team is falling apart, the cycle has ended, and now there is an urgent need to start a new project.
Bernardo Silva doesn't feel comfortable being part of the remnants of City's shipwreck and is now pushing to leave the club.
He has thought of Barça, his former offeror, to continue his career at Camp Nou. Moreover, the news and images coming from Flick's team make it an attractive destination.
Mass Exodus in the Citizen Locker Room
Additionally, Manchester City is under the sword of Damocles of significant sanctions resulting from their financial irregularities. Among them, there is speculation about a relegation.
The exodus in the citizen locker room could be massive. Bernardo Silva is one of those most interested in closing his chapter at Manchester City.
His agent Jorge Mendes is already looking for a destination for him. He has started with Barça, a club with which he maintains an intense and fruitful relationship.
But Deco has not shown willingness to meet his request. Barça has its midfield well covered with Pedri, Frenkie De Jong, Casadó, Gavi, Fermín, and Dani Olmo. Bernardo Silva would have trouble being a starter there.
Jorge Mendes Now Negotiates with PSG
Something similar happened with Ilkay Gündogan, who chose to return to Manchester when Flick told him that he had a tough time playing this season.
Additionally, Manchester City has set a price for Silva: 60M. An amount that Barça is not willing to pay for a player who doesn't seem indispensable.
With Barça's attempt failed, Mendes is now negotiating with Paris Saint-Germain. Mendes knows that Luis Enrique likes Bernardo Silva, and everything indicates that Paris will be his next destination.