Overview
- Reports say Silva has informed Manchester City he will depart at the end of his deal, with staff comments publicly acknowledging his exit.
- Assistant coach Pepijn Lijnders called Silva unique and said the club will not chase a like-for-like replacement.
- Silva joined in 2017 and has about 450 appearances and 18 trophies with City, including six Premier Leagues and one Champions League.
- Barcelona has long been linked and outlets also cite Juventus, a Benfica return, MLS, and Saudi Arabia as options, with Silva seeking a new challenge before the next World Cup.
- City still have an FA Cup semi-final and a faint league chance after winning the League Cup, and his departure could speed recruitment plans and open minutes for academy midfielders.