‘What’s the point?’ - Ex-BBC man can't believe £80m transfer news he's heard from Man City

Former BBC pundit Noel Whelan has warned Manchester City not to get rid of Bernardo Silva this summer after they put a huge price tag on the midfield maestro’s head.

The 27-year-old first joined the Premier League champions when he arrived from Monaco back in 2017, and has gone on to become a Sky Blues fan favourite during his five years at the club, making 251 appearances to date.

The midfielder still has three years remaining on his current contract at the Etihad, and it was claimed by the Daily Mirror last week that the club will demand ‘in excess of £80m’ from Barcelona this summer, who want to bring the versatile star to La Liga.

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan suggested that whilst £80m would be a good value deal for any interested clubs, he strongly believes that Silva could strike up a great partnership with new signing Erling Haaland.

“He’s been one of the most consistent players for Man City in every season since joining. He was close to leaving last summer, but what a revelation he was in the 2021-22 season.

“On his day, he’s just one of these players you can’t defend against.

“£80m doesn’t seem a bad figure from a buyer’s perspective, especially as he has another three or four years of his best football ahead of him.

“I would be really reluctant to sell him if I were Man City.

“You’ve got Erling Haaland coming in who would thrive from having his quality. What’s the point of bringing Haaland in if he’s not going to get the service?”

With Fernandinho confirmed to be leaving this summer, as well as the uncertainty surrounding the future of Ilkay Gundogan, City need to do everything that they can to keep Silva, who has been a brilliant creative outlet in the middle of the park.

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