Barcelona caught off guard after free agent midfielder casts doubt on transfer plans
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For much of the past few weeks, Barcelona believed they had done the difficult part of the Bernardo Silva operation.
The Catalan club had reportedly reached a broad agreement with the Portuguese midfielder and were working towards creating the financial conditions needed to complete the move.
Internally, there was confidence that if departures materialised and space was created within the squad, Silva could eventually arrive in Barcelona.
That is why his latest public comments have caused a degree of surprise at the club.
In fact, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona were not expecting the uncertainty expressed by the former Manchester City star, particularly considering the understanding that already existed between both parties.
Comments raising questions over Barcelona move
Bernardo Silva is yet to make a decision. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
The Portuguese veteran has long been admired by Barcelona. Over several transfer windows, his name has repeatedly appeared on the club’s shortlist.
The aforementioned outlet even reports that a two-year agreement had already been discussed between the player and Barcelona, with the move expected to be revisited once the club’s squad planning became clearer.
The player’s willingness to join Barça was communicated through his agent, Jorge Mendes, and eventually reached a stage where Hansi Flick approved the possibility of signing him.
However, following Portugal’s friendly victory over Chile, Silva delivered a message that appears to have changed the mood surrounding the operation.
Barcelona are quite surprised. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
While discussing his future, the midfielder stated, “Barça is an option I have, but I haven’t made a decision yet. I’m going to look for a team where they want me.”
So what now?
The statement attracted attention particularly because it suggested that the player’s future remains far from settled.
It is even more surprising because the club believed there was already a strong understanding regarding a potential move.
While that does not necessarily mean negotiations have collapsed, it does indicate that Silva is still evaluating all available opportunities, including Atletico Madrid, before committing to his next destination.