- Bernardo Silva has rejected transfer offers and will remain at Manchester City
- Pep Guardiola named Silva one of four team captains for the 2025/26 season
- Jack Grealish was left out of the Club World Cup squad amid form
Key Takeaways:
Midfielder Bernardo Silva has confirmed that he will stay at Manchester City for the upcoming season and appears ready to take on the captain’s armband. The Portuguese international is entering the final year of his contract and had been linked with a move this summer after eight seasons at the Etihad Stadium. Saudi club Al-Hilal was among those reportedly interested in signing him, but the 30-year-old has decided to reject all offers and remain at City.
🚨🔵 Bernardo Silva has been named as new Manchester City captain.
“This season for sure will be at City, I’m going to stay. I've had options in the past and this year, like last, my option is to stay”. pic.twitter.com/9rsYfb5oz9
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 18, 2025
Guardiola broke his own tradition this summer by personally naming the leadership group instead of allowing players and staff to vote, as he had done in previous years. After a disappointing past season, the Spanish coach took control and publicly announced Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rodri, and Erling Haaland as the four captains.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola also addressed why Jack Grealish was excluded from the squad for the Club World Cup in the USA. Grealish has scored just 4 goals over the past two years, while earning one of the highest salaries at the club—around €1.5 million per month.
“In the last two seasons he didn’t play much and he has to come back to play, have the butterflies in his stomach that he can play every three days and show again the quality he has”.