When Manchester City fans talk about legends of their golden era, Bernardo Silva’s name always sits near the top. The Portuguese magician, with his dancing feet, quiet personality, and tireless work rate, has been one of the beating hearts of Pep Guardiola’s empire. Since arriving from Monaco in 2017, he has lifted trophies, scored in massive games, and carried the spirit of the team through unforgettable nights. But now, in 2025, a new story is unfolding around him—one filled with emotion, decisions, and the reality that even the brightest stars eventually face their final chapter at a club.
Reports from England say that Bernardo Silva is now in talks to leave Manchester City at the end of the season, with two Saudi Pro League clubs preparing serious proposals. The 31-year-old, who has been part of almost every major success at the Etihad, may finally be ready to close his English journey and chase one final challenge in the Middle East. His contract expires at the end of the season, and for the first time, he is free to think about life beyond Pep Guardiola’s system, beyond the blue shirts, beyond the noise of the Premier League.
Just two years ago, Saudi Arabia came for him. Al-Hilal offered him a deal worth over £500,000 a week—a figure that could change any man’s mind. But back then, Bernardo said no. He wanted to stay in Europe, to keep fighting for titles, and to prepare properly for the 2026 World Cup. It was a decision that earned him respect across the football world. He wasn’t chasing money; he was chasing meaning. But time has moved fast. The same player who was once City’s future now feels the pull of a different future, one that might take him far from Manchester’s rain to the desert heat of Riyadh or Jeddah.
According to reports, Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah are leading the race for his signature. Both clubs are backed by wealthy Saudi owners who see Bernardo as a marquee signing to lift their teams to global attention. The Saudi Pro League’s ambition is clear—they want more Portuguese players, inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo’s success at Al-Nassr. They believe that adding Bernardo, one of Portugal’s most complete midfielders, will raise the league’s reputation even higher. In the last two years, the league has transformed from a regional competition into a global spectacle, attracting names like Ruben Neves, Joao Cancelo, and Joao Felix. Bernardo could be next.
Inside Manchester City, everyone knows this might be the end. Pep Guardiola once called Bernardo “the perfect footballer”—not because of his goals or assists, but because of his brain. Pep loved that Bernardo could play anywhere: as a winger, a number ten, even as a false nine or right-back. When City needed control, he became calmness. When they needed chaos, he became creativity. He was the invisible structure holding City together. Losing him won’t be just a tactical change—it will be an emotional goodbye.
Yet even legends grow tired. Since joining City in 2017, Bernardo has played hundreds of matches, won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and the long-awaited Champions League. He has done it all. But football is not just about trophies; it’s about timing. At 31, Bernardo knows this might be his last big contract. And with Saudi clubs offering wages three or four times higher than what he earns at City, it’s hard to ignore the temptation. His family’s future, his own comfort, and the adventure of something new all play a part in the decision.
Behind the scenes, Bernardo has always been one of the quiet men in City’s dressing room. While others made headlines for drama or transfers, he focused on football. But in recent months, he has been more open about considering a move. He has watched some of his close friends leave—Riyad Mahrez went to Al-Ahli, Ilkay Gundogan joined Barcelona, and Joao Cancelo found himself moving from club to club. Bernardo knows the squad he once joined has changed. The hunger remains, but the faces are different. And maybe, after eight seasons in England, the time to move is simply right.
The Saudi Pro League, for its part, sees Bernardo as part of a new wave. They no longer want to sign only aging stars at the end of their careers; they want top professionals still performing at elite level. Bernardo fits perfectly. His experience, his professionalism, and his connection to Ronaldo’s Portuguese circle make him an ideal ambassador for the league. Saudi clubs have learned that football is not just about bringing in names—it’s about bringing in leaders who can teach, inspire, and lift standards. Bernardo Silva would be one of them.
For City fans, it’s a bittersweet story. They remember his magical goal against Aston Villa in the final-day comeback. They remember his dominance in the 2023 Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid, when he tore Madrid apart with two goals in one half. They remember his small frame fighting for every ball, his humility, his soft voice after matches. To think of him leaving is painful—but there’s also understanding. Footballers give their best years to a club, and when the clock turns, they must choose for themselves
It’s also worth remembering that this isn’t the first time Bernardo has wanted to leave City. Back in 2021 and 2022, he told Pep Guardiola that he missed home and wanted a new experience. Barcelona were interested, Paris Saint-Germain too, but City refused to sell him cheap. Pep persuaded him to stay, telling him he was “too important” to lose. And Pep was right—Bernardo stayed and became central to City’s treble-winning season. He stayed to make history. But now, three years later, Pep might finally have to let him go.
Sources close to the player say the decision will not be rushed. Bernardo still feels loyalty to City and wants to finish the season with full focus. He is not the type to lose concentration because of transfer rumors. But he also knows how fast the football world moves. By January 2026, he can legally talk to overseas clubs about a free transfer, and the Saudis are ready to make their move quickly. His representatives are said to be in “advanced discussions” with Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah, who both plan to offer multi-year contracts with total packages worth well over £60 million.
Saudi officials are particularly excited about the idea of pairing Bernardo with other Portuguese stars. They have built a small community of players from Portugal in the league, and the chemistry has been positive. Ruben Neves, for instance, has become one of the league’s most respected midfielders since moving from Wolves to Al-Hilal. Joao Cancelo, another ex-City man, had a short but bright spell before returning to Europe. And of course, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the face of the Saudi football revolution, proving that the league can attract icons and keep them performing at a high level.
But while the Saudis plan for their dream midfield, City are already looking ahead too. Guardiola has a history of replacing stars with new diamonds. For every Silva, there’s a Phil Foden waiting. For every Mahrez, there’s an Oscar Bobb growing. Yet Pep himself has said there will never be another player quite like Bernardo. His mix of intelligence, calmness, and heart is rare. It’s why City wanted to keep him until 2026. But even the best managers know when it’s time to say goodbye.
The emotional weight of this story also touches Bernardo’s teammates. Players like Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri have formed deep connections with him over the years. They know what he brings to the dressing room—his jokes, his focus, his humility. If he leaves, it won’t just be a tactical gap; it will be a personal one. City’s rhythm may change. Their structure might evolve. But that’s football—it moves, it changes, it rebuilds.
Beyond City and Saudi Arabia, fans across Europe are watching too. Barcelona have long admired Bernardo and might still try to make one last push. Paris Saint-Germain could also return for him, especially if Kylian Mbappe’s exit reshapes their project. But as things stand, the financial muscle of Saudi clubs makes them clear favorites. They can offer Bernardo the kind of deal that European teams can’t match—not just in money, but in lifestyle, security, and a chance to be part of something historic.
For Bernardo, leaving Europe doesn’t mean giving up competition. The Saudi league has improved dramatically. The stadiums are full, the facilities are world-class, and the players are motivated. He would still play alongside stars from Europe and South America, under top coaches, in matches watched worldwide. It’s not a retirement move; it’s a new adventure.
If this is indeed his final season at Manchester City, it deserves a special ending. The fans will want to give him the farewell he has earned. They will remember the night he first danced past defenders in the Premier League, the way he outworked bigger opponents, the way he made the game look simple. From his first day to his last, he gave everything. And that’s what makes this story so emotional—not because he’s leaving, but because he’s leaving as a legend.
In football, goodbyes are never easy. But they are part of the game’s beauty. Players come, players go, and their stories live forever in the memories of fans. Bernardo Silva’s story at Manchester City has been one of loyalty, artistry, and glory. Whether he ends up in Saudi Arabia or somewhere else, he leaves behind a legacy that money cannot buy. A legacy built on pure football.
In the coming months, as rumors grow and negotiations continue, City supporters will hold their breath. Some will hope he changes his mind again, others will wish him luck. But everyone will agree on one thing—Bernardo Silva has given them years they will never forget. His name will always be sung, his moments will always be replayed, and his influence will never fade.
For now, the future waits. Maybe it will be Al-Ahli, maybe Al-Qadsiah, maybe one last twist in Europe. But wherever Bernardo Silva goes next, one truth remains clear: Manchester City will never truly replace him. Because players like him are not just footballers—they are the heartbeat of an era
