Last night was a busy one at FC Barcelona as there were multiple, long meetings taking place to resolve the future of manager Xavi Hernandez.
The 44-year-old Spaniard held a long meeting with sporting director Deco at the club facilities while president Joan Laporta and vice president Rafa Yuste met at the former’s residence.
Later, Xavi and Deco joined Laporta at his residence with Alejandro Echeverria also joining the meeting and it was then decided that there would be no managerial change.
Indeed, Xavi will continue as Barcelona manager and see out his contract which runs until the summer of 2025.
Bernardo Silva signing discussed
As part of his continuity, Xavi had set a condition to reinforce the squad with ‘top’ players in the summer.
It is a matter that was discussed during yesterday’s meeting, with Barcelona assuring Xavi that there is scope for quality signings as they are confident about returning to the 1:1 rule.
Building on that, journalist Ramon Salmurri reports that one of the names that was discussed during the meeting between Xavi and Laporta is that of Manchester City playmaker Bernardo Silva.
Will Bernardo finally join Barcelona? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The 29-year-old Portuguese international has been on the club’s agenda for a few years now, with Xavi having requested his signing in each of the last two summer windows.
However, the Catalans’ financial situation meant that it did not come to fruition, but Silva’s signing is seen as feasible for this summer.
It is because the former AS Monaco man has a release clause worth €58 million (£50 million) in his contract at Manchester City – a figure that Barcelona believe they can reach if they return to the 1:1 ruling.
Furthermore, Silva himself is ‘crazy’ about signing for Barcelona and would even be willing to take a pay cut, which would make things easier for the club.
So, there appears to be a good chance that Barça might finally get their man in Silva this summer, provided they are back on the 1:1 rule.
