Pep Lijnders Signals Likely Summer Exit for Manchester City Captain Bernardo Silva

Manchester City's Pep Lijnders suggests Bernardo Silva's nine-year stay is ending. Read about the captain's 18 trophies and City's plans to replace him.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 6, 2026, 5:19 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from BBC Sport

The Conclusion of a Nine-Year Strategic Partnership

The long-term future of Bernardo Silva at Manchester City appears to have reached a definitive turning point following public comments from assistant manager Pep Lijnders. With Silva’s contract set to expire at the end of the current season and no extension signed, Lijnders remarked that "every good story comes to an end," signaling an expected departure this summer. Since joining from Monaco in 2017, the Portuguese international has become a cornerstone of the squad's tactical identity, but he is now heavily linked with potential moves to Barcelona, Juventus, or several clubs in the United States.

A Unique Void in the Manchester City Midfield

Lijnders emphasized the difficulty the club faces in replacing a player of Silva's specific profile, characterizing him as a one-of-a-kind talent. During his media duties—filling in for a suspended Pep Guardiola—Lijnders highlighted Silva’s peerless ability to control the tempo of matches, his spatial awareness, and his leadership on the pitch. The assistant manager noted that the impact of Silva’s absence is felt even when he misses a single game, suggesting that his permanent departure will present one of the most significant tactical challenges of the Guardiola era.

Milestones and Silverware of a Club Legend

Silva’s recent appearance in the 4-0 FA Cup quarter-final win over Liverpool marked his 450th game for Manchester City, further solidifying his status as a club icon. His tenure has been defined by an extraordinary collection of trophies, with the recent Carabao Cup victory marking his 18th piece of silverware at the Etihad. Having been appointed captain following the departure of Kevin De Bruyne last season, Silva has also been Guardiola’s most-selected player across his entire managerial career, often described by coaching staff as a "coach on the pitch."