Juventus pursue Bernardo Silva on free transfer but face competition
Juventus are actively working to sign Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva on a free transfer this summer, according to reports from Italy. The Serie A club's sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli, is in regular contact with the player's agent, Jorge Mendes, though a deal is not yet advanced. Silva's current contract with City expires in June, allowing him to move without a transfer fee.
While Juventus have made their interest clear and the player is reportedly attracted to the project, the negotiation has not yet entered a decisive phase. The primary reason, according to sources close to the situation, is that the 31-year-old Portuguese international is fully focused on ending the season strongly with Manchester City, who are locked in a tight Premier League title race. Silva is said to want a fitting finale under manager Pep Guardiola before making any definitive decision about his future.
The potential move represents a significant opportunity for Juventus to add world-class quality without a transfer fee, a market strategy they have prioritized. However, the free agent market is highly competitive, particularly regarding wages. Juventus are reportedly reluctant to exceed the €6 million net annual salary recently agreed with young star Kenan Yildiz, but may need to make an exception for a player of Silva's caliber, potentially through performance-related bonuses.
Juventus are not alone in their pursuit. Barcelona, Benfica, and Galatasaray are also tracking Silva's situation, along with several Major League Soccer clubs. While a move to America could offer a lucrative final chapter, Silva is believed to prefer maintaining a competitive level in Europe for the immediate future, with Juventus and Barcelona seen as the most appealing sporting options currently available to him.
The club's hierarchy, led by Giuntoli, aims to make two or three high-quality additions to manager Thiago Motta's squad for next season, with Silva envisioned as a marquee signing to elevate the midfield. Juventus are keen to avoid a protracted bidding war, aware that rival clubs could easily outmuscle them financially if the process turns into an auction for the player's signature.
Bernardo Silva has been a cornerstone of Manchester City's success since his 2017 arrival, winning multiple Premier League titles and the Champions League. His potential acquisition would mark a major statement of intent from Juventus as they look to rebuild and challenge domestically and in Europe. For now, all parties are in a holding pattern, with the player's immediate focus remaining on the pitch at the Etihad Stadium.
