Bernardo Silva Hints at Manchester City Exit as Contract Nears Expiry

Key Takeaways:

• Bernardo Silva confirmed on Tuesday that he knows his next destination ahead of Manchester City contract expiry in under a year
• Silva became team captain following the departure of Kevin De Bruyne and remains focused on success this season
• Benfica presidential candidate Joao Noronha Lopes declared intent to sign Silva in January, while Juventus are reportedly interested in a free transfer

Midfield Maestro Outlines Plans for Next Summer

Bernardo Silva has announced that he is already certain where he will play next season, with his Manchester City contract set to expire in less than twelve months. The Portugal international agreed his last contract extension in 2023 but, despite frequent speculation about his future, he has remained a crucial figure under Pep Guardiola.

However, as his contract conclusion approaches, Silva now appears set to follow some of City’s most iconic names, who recently departed, into a new chapter away from the club. The midfielder, often subject to transfer rumours, is widely expected to make his exit alongside the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Ederson, and Kyle Walker.

🚨👀 Bernardo Silva on contract due to expire in June: “I know EXACTLY what I'm going to do but it's not the time to talk about it”.

“It's time to focus on Man City, to try to do my best to put the club back where it belongs…”. pic.twitter.com/ysyZrkWvAj

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 1, 2025

Captaincy and Commitment on the Pitch

With De Bruyne’s departure, Silva has assumed the captain’s armband and intends to help Manchester City reclaim their previous dominance before announcing his future moves. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Silva stated: “I know exactly what I’m going to do but it’s not the time to talk about it. It’s time to focus on City to try to do my best to put the club back where it belongs. In regard to my contract, I’m really focused on doing a proper season with Man City and being as well as possible to perform and to bring back the team and the club to the level where it deserves to be in the world.”

Silva, who currently stands as the senior-most member of the City squad by appearances, is one of the few remaining links to the club’s recent successes, including the Champions League triumph in 2023. He is followed in this metric by John Stones and Phil Foden.

Potential Destinations and Transfer Market Interest

While City have entered a transition period that emphasises youth after the departure of several stalwarts, speculation over Silva’s next move continues to mount. Benfica’s presidential hopeful Joao Noronha Lopes recently proclaimed, “Yes, I can confirm that a contract is waiting for Bernardo Silva. And I really want to bring him in in January.”

Silva began his professional journey with Benfica as an eight-year-old in 2002, and a move back to Lisbon would signify an emotional homecoming, more than a decade after his departure. In addition, Serie A outfit Juventus are reported to maintain interest in signing Silva on a free transfer once his deal at the Etihad expires.

Looking Ahead for Manchester City and Silva

It is anticipated that Silva will honour the remaining term of his deal before seeking a fresh challenge elsewhere, with Manchester City prepared for another high-profile exit as they pivot towards a new generation.