Manchester City are likely to have broken their transfer record within the next 48 hours with the signing of Bernardo Silva.
The Monaco playmaker has in fact already touched down in Manchester for a medical with the Premier League side according to, with a £60m deal between Man City and Monaco reportedly in advanced negotiations.
The deal, should it be completed, will surpass the £55m paid for Kevin De Bruyne in 2015.
Bernardo Silva in Manchester to become City’s record signing at c.£60m. Probably the start of biggest ever PL window. No surprise if >£1.5bn
— Nick Harris (@sportingintel) May 26, 2017
The Portuguese international had a big hand in the French side’s Ligue 1 title win and run to the Champions League semi-finals (Tottenham fans, in particular, will have harrowing memories of what he did to them) and despite the hefty transfer fee, this will likely just be the start of a massive overhaul at the Etihad this summer.
The clearout has already begun in earnest with Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy, Jesus Navas, Pablo Zabaleta and Willy Caballero all released, and last season’s disappointing campaign will be the catalyst for a period of heavy investment as Guardiola looks to mount a serious assault on both the Premier League and Champions League next season.
Rivals Manchester United have also been linked with a move for Silva (as they have with almost every other footballer in the known universe), but it seems that Man City’s early pursuit and speed in getting the deal done will see the 22-year-old become the first major signing of the Premier League season.
As far as Monaco are concerned, meanwhile, Silva’s departure is not expected to be the start of their exciting side being torn apart by the bigger European fish. The new French champions had always planned that the likes of Silva or Benjamin Mendy (whom Man City are also trying to sign) may be allowed to leave, but players such Kylian Mbappe, the jewel in the Monaco crown, will be staying put at the Stade Louis II for at least another season.
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On this week’s episode of the Mixer football podcast, we speak to Bohemians striker Dinny Corcoran on a tense battle for league survival, as well as the usual discussion on all things League of Ireland.
Read More About: bacary sagna, bernardo silva, gael clichy, jesus navas, Kylian Mbappe, Man City, monaco, Pablo Zabaleta, pep guardiola, Premier League, transfer news, willy caballero
