Bernardo Silva names the club he will not be joining after Man City exit this summer

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Bernardo Silva is calling time on his Manchester City career this summer, but his next club is yet to be decided.

The Portuguese talent has enjoyed much success under Pep Guardiola, who is also departing and is set to be replaced by Enzo Maresca.

Now, in a recent interview quoted by Ojogo, Silva has been discussing his future plans and ruled out a return to Benfica in 2026.

Bernardo Silva won’t return to Benfica right now

The 31-year-old began his career with Benfica, playing 38, scoring seven and assisting seven with their B team.

However, he made just three senior appearances for the senior team before leaving to join AS Monaco in 2014.

Now, Silva has admitted he would like to return to his former side at some point in his career, but insisted that is not a move he’s looking at right now.

He said: “It’s undoubtedly a career and life goal, but I’m not going to do it right now. It’s not for now. I’ve already said I’m not going to Benfica.

Silva continued by mentioning a possible move to the Middle East: “Saudi Arabia? They’re plotting against me, I might lose opportunities, the things I want might not happen… I have contacts, I know some intentions, who wants me, who doesn’t, who might want me in a few weeks. I have good options.

“Whatever happens will always be good. I want to return to Benfica, I don’t know if they’ll want me then. I think there have been contacts, they tried to find out my intentions. But I have different goals now, I want to compete elsewhere.”

How will Manchester City replace Bernardo Silva?

Regardless of where he is playing football come 2026/27, Silva will be a big loss for Manchester City.

The versatile midfielder has made over 450 appearances for the Sky Blues, netting 76 and providing 77 assists.

Man City are targeting a new full-back as a priority this summer, which makes sense given a lack of depth in that area.

But when it comes to replacing Silva, reports have suggested that Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson is on his way to the Etihad Stadium.

Anderson has scored four and assisted five for Forest in the 2025/26 campaign.