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Galatasaray in talks to sign Manchester City’s $50M-rated Bernardo Silva

Portuguese national team player Bernardo Silva celebrates after scoring against Türkiye during Euro 2024 on June 22, 2024. (Photo via Instagram / @bernardocarvalhosilva)
Portuguese national team player Bernardo Silva celebrates after scoring against Türkiye during Euro 2024 on June 22, 2024. (Photo via Instagram / @bernardocarvalhosilva)
May 09, 2025 04:37 PM GMT+03:00

Galatasaray is in contact with Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva as the Istanbul-based club prepares to refresh its squad before the 2025–2026 season.

The talks come as Galatasaray is on the verge of winning its third Super Lig title in a row, which would bring its fifth star and direct qualification to the UEFA Champions League group stage.

  • According to several reports, Galatasaray is working on a deal to replace 38-year-old Belgian midfielder Dries Mertens, who is expected to leave at the end of the season
  • The club has started discussions with Silva’s representatives over a 3+1-year contract, while also negotiating a transfer fee with Manchester City
  • Silva, 30, has played 45 matches for Manchester City this season, scoring 4 goals and assisting 4 times

While his current market value is estimated at $50.6 million (€45 million), City’s disappointing performance this season may make the club more open to selling.

Portuguese national team player Bernardo Silva celebrates after scoring against Türkiye during Euro 2024 on June 22, 2024. (Photo via Instagram / @bernardocarvalhosilva)
Portuguese national team player Bernardo Silva celebrates after scoring against Türkiye during Euro 2024 on June 22, 2024. (Photo via Instagram / @bernardocarvalhosilva)

Galatasaray prepares major squad changes as Dries Mertens' exit nears

Galatasaray’s management is focused on building a strong team for both domestic and European competition.

Head coach Okan Buruk has already started planning for the new season. In addition to Silva, German media have reported that Bayer Leverkusen’s Granit Xhaka may also be on the way to Istanbul. Xhaka, 32, is said to have reached a broad agreement with Galatasaray amid reports that coach Xabi Alonso could be leaving Leverkusen.

Xhaka made 48 appearances this season, scoring 2 goals and recording 7 assists. If the deals for Silva and Xhaka go through, Galatasaray would strengthen its midfield significantly for its return to the Champions League.

Portuguese national team player Bernardo Silva celebrates after scoring against Türkiye during Euro 2024 on June 22, 2024. (Photo via Instagram / @bernardocarvalhosilva)
Portuguese national team player Bernardo Silva celebrates after scoring against Türkiye during Euro 2024 on June 22, 2024. (Photo via Instagram / @bernardocarvalhosilva)

Bernardo Silva carefully considers Galatasaray's offer

Silva has one year left on his contract and is reportedly taking his time to evaluate all offers. He has spoken with friends who have played for Galatasaray to learn more about the club, its supporters, and life in Istanbul. Club president Dursun Ozbek is personally leading the transfer efforts, aiming to bring in a top-level replacement in the number 10 position.

Portuguese newspaper A Bola reported that Benfica is also interested in bringing Silva back, but the club may struggle to meet his salary expectations. This gives Galatasaray a possible advantage, especially as the player has already shown interest by asking about the club environment.

Portuguese national team player Bernardo Silva celebrates after scoring against Türkiye during Euro 2024 on June 22, 2024. (Photo via Instagram / @bernardocarvalhosilva)
Portuguese national team player Bernardo Silva celebrates after scoring against Türkiye during Euro 2024 on June 22, 2024. (Photo via Instagram / @bernardocarvalhosilva)

Who is Galatasaray's new target, Manchester City's Bernardo Silva

Bernardo Silva, full name Bernardo Mota Veiga de Carvalho e Silva, was born on August 10, 1994.

  • He began his professional career at Benfica before moving to AS Monaco in 2014
  • At Monaco, he played a key role in the club’s 2016–2017 Ligue 1 title win and Champions League semi-final run
  • Silva joined Manchester City in 2017 and became a central figure during the club’s most successful era under Pep Guardiola
  • He contributed to Premier League titles and helped the team win the UEFA Champions League in 2023. That same year, he extended his contract until 2026
  • He has also been a regular for the Portuguese national team since 2015
  • Silva was part of the squad that won the UEFA Nations League in 2019
  • He also participated in the 2024 European Championship, where he scored 1 goal

If the move goes ahead, Silva would be one of the biggest names to arrive in the Super Lig in recent years. Galatasaray hopes to finalize the deal by the end of the season and build a squad that can compete at the highest level in Europe.

May 09, 2025 04:37 PM GMT+03:00
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