The transfer market continues to deliver surprises, and one of the latest names stirring up speculation is Bernardo Silva. The talented 30-year-old Portuguese midfielder, currently playing for Manchester City, is reportedly considering a departure from the English champions, with Galatasaray and Benfica emerging as his main options.

A high-profile signing shaking up Turkey and Portugal

Galatasaray, fresh off winning their third consecutive Trendyol Süper Lig title, has launched an ambitious sporting project aiming to strengthen their squad ahead of next season and make an impact in European competitions. According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, the Turkish giants have identified Bernardo Silva as the ideal replacement for Dries Mertens, whose time in Istanbul seems to be coming to an end.

However, the Turkish side faces strong competition. Benfica, where Silva developed as a youth player, is also in the race to bring him back and is reportedly in contact with his camp. The player himself has previously stated he would not rule out a return to the Lisbon club, adding intrigue to the tug-of-war.

For their part, Manchester City appear open to negotiating his exit. Although Silva remains under contract, the English side is reportedly willing to listen to offers, which has only intensified the interest from both clubs. In the last Premier League season, the Portuguese international made 33 appearances, scoring 4 goals and providing 4 assists, continuing to be a versatile asset for Pep Guardiola.

Grealish also facing uncertainty

While Silva weighs his future, another City star finds himself in limbo. Jack Grealish, signed from Aston Villa in 2021 for £100 million, was not included in the squad for the FIFA Club World Cup. The decision has been widely interpreted as a clear message from Guardiola: it’s time for the English midfielder to find a new club before the transfer window closes.

Additionally, Mateo Kovacic, sidelined by an Achilles injury, and James McAtee, who opted to play in the U21 European Championship, will also miss the tournament. On the other hand, City’s recent signings — Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, and Marcus Bettinelli — are all heading to the United States.

So the question remains: will Bernardo Silva return home to Benfica, or will he become Galatasaray’s next star signing?