The father of Bernardo Silva has insisted that Barcelona did not make an offer for the Manchester City midfielder until it was too late in the transfer window.
The Portugal international was heavily linked with a move to Camp Nou over the summer, but a move never materialised and he remained at the Etihad Stadium.
90min understands that Silva is Barça’s top transfer target for 2023, and his father, Paulo, recently spoke at a Stats Perform conference in Lisbon about this year’s failed negotiations.
“There were many conversations, but a concrete offer wasn’t made in time,” he said.
“When it finally came, it was no longer the right time for all parties involved. Things have to happen rationally and it wasn’t an ideal scenario for Bernardo.
“He is a mature player, he is 28 years old. Things have to be done rationally, not emotionally.”
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Though they were unable to land Silva, Barcelona had a busy summer in the transfer window. Xavi welcomed eight new senior players into his squad for the upcoming season, despite the Blaugrana’s ongoing financial woes.
Silva has started four games in all competitions for City so far this season, scoring two goals and registering two assists.
