Bernardo Silva’s Manchester City exit confirmed by Pep Lijnders after Liverpool FA Cup win
Pepijn Lijnders insists Bernardo Silva is ‘unique’ and cannot be replaced like-for-like in the marketCity assistant hails the Portuguese’s influence on the group ahead of an inevitable exitSilva...
Bernardo Silva’s Manchester City exit confirmed by Pep Lijnders after Liverpool FA Cup win Pepijn Lijnders insists Bernardo Silva is ‘unique’ and cannot be replaced like-for-like in the market City assistant hails the Portuguese’s influence on the group ahead of an inevitable exit Silva is expected to leave Man City on a free transfer when his contract expires in June Manchester City assistant coach Pepijn Lijnders has delivered a heartfelt and candid assessment of Bernardo Silva’s imminent departure from the club. Silva is entering the final months of a nine-year spell at the Etihad Stadium amid no expectation of a contract renewal beyond his current deal that runs till June. The Portugal international is understood to have selected Barcelona as his preferred destination for next season, ending a decade-long association with Manchester City, whom he joined for £43 million from AS Monaco in 2017.
Speaking to the media after City’s emphatic 4-0 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, Manchester City assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders was asked to reflect on the looming loss of a player who has been central to everything the club has achieved under head coach Pep Guardiola . Bernardo Silva to leave Manchester City this summer, confirms Fabrizio Romano Pep Lijnders: Bernardo Silva is unique The Dutch coach was unstinting in his praise for the outgoing City captain, making clear that no direct replacement will be sought in the summer window. “You never replace a player with the same kind of player because they don’t exist,” Lijnders said.
“Bernardo Silva is unique; the way he controls games, the way he moves, the way he receives, the way he leads, the way he sees the solutions – all these things. “So you never search for a replacement of one type of player. You search for what is needed, to grow with the team and somebody who can fit in the first 11.
” Lijnders also pointed to the club’s long-term vision under director of football Hugo Viana , highlighting both the academy and the young players already at the club as the solution for filling the void left by Silva in the seasons to come – while stressing the importance of City’s experienced core remaining intact. “The most important is that the seniors will stay for a long time, that they stay, that they stay, that they stay,” he added. “The core is there and around that you can move.