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