Bernardo Silva remains without a new club after leaving Manchester City, yet Roberto Martinez is clear about one thing. The Portugal head coach is convinced Silva has the quality and versatility to step straight into Barcelona’s team and impact performances.
Barcelona are viewed as leading contenders to secure Silva for next season, with Atletico Madrid also linked. While speculation grows around a possible move to LaLiga, Silva’s immediate focus stays on the World Cup campaign with Portugal.
Silva ended a long spell at Manchester City in 2026, leaving at the end of the contract announced in April. The 31-year-old departed after nine seasons in Manchester, during which Silva became a key figure in several trophy-winning teams.
Across all competitions
for City, Silva played 460 matches and scored 76 goals. The midfielder featured in every Premier League fixture in the 2025-26 season, helping City finish second in the table behind champions Arsenal after a close title race.
| Club | Seasons | Appearances | Goals | Major honours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester City | 9 | 460 | 76 | 19 |
During Silva’s time at City, the midfielder collected 19 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League. That success is a key reason many in Spain, and within Portugal’s camp, see Silva as ready-made for Barcelona’s high demands.
Martinez highlighted Silva’s mentality and adaptability rather than any single preferred role. Martinez said: "I think Bernardo Silva is such a spectacular player that he fits into every dressing room in world football," underlining belief that Silva suits different leagues and squads.
The Portugal coach expanded on how Silva reads matches and influences systems. Martinez stated: "I don’t think a player like that appears out of nowhere, but he’s a player who can adapt to any system and any style and improve what’s around him. It’s not the position, it’s the football intelligence he has, and then the technical level that allows him to dominate all the actions in which he participates. I have no doubt that he would fit in at Barca. "
With Barcelona and Atletico Madrid monitoring the situation, Silva’s next decision remains pending while Portugal prepare for the World Cup. Martinez’s strong backing strengthens the view that any move to Barcelona would suit both the player and the LaLiga champions on the pitch.
