Bernardo Silva sets out Man City squad expectations for Mateo Kovacic

Bernardo Silva expects Mateo Kovacic to help the club win more silverware after joining from Chelsea.

With a deal for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol yet to be agreed less than a fortnight before a proposed deadline for the transfer, Kovacic is Manchester City's only summer signing so far following a £25m move from Chelsea. Pep Guardiola will also have to make do without Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez following their departures, yet the club have returned from their pre-season tour with Kyle Walker and Bernardo despite uncertainty over their futures.

For the third summer in a row, suitable offers are yet to materialise for Bernardo and the player remains committed to City while he is under contract. As well as playing a part in all three pre-season games, the Portugal star undertook commercial activities and also spoke to in-house media about the fortnight in Asia.

Also read: What we learned from City's record-breaking summer tour

Bernardo spoke of his surprise at being substituted against Yokohama F Marinos after just 30 minutes on the pitch - Guardiola later explained that he believed the player had already shown enough to earn an extra rest - and was also asked about the signing of Kovacic. Barring a subsequent departure before the transfer window closes, the two could be playing together and the Croatian is already seen as an important player in the squad.

"He's settled very well. We welcomed him," Bernardo said. "He's a very good player and a big signing for us. One more to help us win things and for sure we'll do it."

The Manchester Evening News are producing a special 48-page 2023/24 season preview to look at what the new campaign could hold for Manchester City.

Our 48-page 2023/24 campaign preview