‘Grumpy’ Guardiola In the Dark Amid Bernardo Silva Exit Rumours: ‘I Would Love If He Stays’

Last Updated:April 11, 2026, 10:05 IST

Guardiola admited he’s ‘in the dark’ over Bernardo Silva’s future after Pep Lijnders hinted at an exit. The City star is yet to confirm his next move.

Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva with Pep Guardiola (AFP)

Pep Guardiola might run Manchester City. But when it came to Bernardo Silva’s future, even he wasn’t in the loop.

City assistant Pep Lijnders sent shockwaves through the Etihad after seemingly confirming Silva’s departure at the end of the season.

But Guardiola? He insists he’s heard nothing.

Mixed Messages from City

Silva, now 31 and in the final year of his contract, has been at the centre of transfer speculation for months. That chatter intensified after Lijnders’ candid post-match remarks following City’s 4-0 FA Cup win over Liverpool.

“Every good story comes to an end, and I hope he enjoys the last months, because there are only six weeks, and has a good farewell,” Lijnders said.

It sounded like a goodbye. Guardiola, however, wasn’t buying it.

“I’m So Grumpy…”

In classic Guardiola fashion, the City boss mixed honesty with humour and a hint of frustration.

“I’m so grumpy with Bernardo because a month ago I said, ‘if you take a decision I have to be the first to [know]’, and he didn’t say anything to me yet,” Guardiola revealed.

“I think the proper one must be Bernardo. I don’t know if he has already decided… but he didn’t tell me, so I don’t know what’s going on.”

Door Still Open… For Now

Despite the noise, Guardiola made his stance crystal clear.

“I would love it if he could stay and finish his career here,” he said.

“It’s his decision… he’s been an incredible, incredible signing.”

Since arriving from AS Monaco in 2017, Silva has made 450 appearances, winning six Premier League titles and the Champions League — becoming one of the defining figures of City’s golden era.

All this unfolds with City still chasing silverware. They sit second in the league, nine points behind Arsenal with a game in hand, and a blockbuster clash on April 19 that could decide the title race.

Read More