Bernardo Silva Considers Saudi Switch

Bernardo Silva, the 29-year-old midfielder for Manchester City, reveals that he considered a move to Saudi Arabia during the summer transfer window. Despite the allure of a lucrative deal, Silva ultimately decided to stay with City and signed a new contract. His desire for more Champions League success motivated his decision to remain with the club.

Teammates Opt for Middle East Move

Silva's decision came in the wake of his teammates, Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte, choosing to move to the Middle East. Mahrez, the Algerian winger, transferred to Al-Ahli for £30 million, while Laporte, the Spanish defender, made a £23.5 million move to Al-Nassr. Silva, however, opted to stay at City and help the team defend their European crown.

Silva's European Ambitions

The Portuguese midfielder has made it clear that he has a desire to return to mainland Europe. During the international break, he expressed his interest in rejoining his boyhood club, Benfica. Silva made his debut for Benfica at the age of 19 and experienced success with the club, winning the domestic treble in the 2013-14 season. However, after a loan spell at Monaco, Silva was sold to the French club for £13.7 million in 2015. In 2017, he made the move to the Premier League, signing a £43.5 million deal with Manchester City.

Champions League Dreams

Silva's Champions League aspirations were a driving force behind his decision to stay at City. He expressed his desire to play in the semi-finals, score against Real Madrid, and ultimately win the prestigious European competition. Silva's commitment to achieving these goals is what ultimately led him to turn down the opportunity for a lucrative transfer to Saudi Arabia.

As Silva looks forward to the future, he hopes to make an emotional return to his beloved Benfica. Whether or not this dream becomes a reality will depend on the club's interest and timing. But for now, Silva remains focused on his current journey with Manchester City and his pursuit of Champions League glory.