Transfer rumor roundup 5/26: Manchester City sign Bernardo Silva
By Nick Pitner
Here’s a roundup of the latest news and transfer rumors surrounding which players could be joining new teams in the coming months.
Friday’s biggest transfer news comes out of Manchester, where the race for Monaco’s Bernardo Silva has reportedly reached a conclusion.
After being strongly linked with a move to Manchester United, the Portuguese playmaker flew into town Thursday night to finalize terms with Manchester City, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Silva is expected to sign a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, where he’ll bolster an already-lethal Pep Guardiola-led attack.
Of course, the Spanish manager became all too familiar with Silva’s services during Monaco’s victory over Man City in the knockout round of this season’s Champions League.
At 22 years old, Silva registered 11 goals and 12 assists while leading Monaco to their first Ligue 1 title since 2000.
While the initial report suggested a fee of €50 million would be required, Mohamed Bouhafsi of RMC Sport states Man City will actually pay €70 million to close the deal, evidencing just how highly he’s valued by Guardiola.
The Citizens’ plunder of the principality doesn’t stop there, though, as RMC reports they’re also in for Monaco left-back Benjamin Mendy.
With the summer departure Gael Clichy confirmed by City on Thursday, the club is keen to secure a replacement as soon as possible.
However, with Manchester United eyeing an upgrade to Luke Shaw at left-back, the cross-town rivals are set to do battle over yet another Monaco standout.
Both clubs are believed to be in negotiations with Mendy and are willing to shell out €45 million for his signature.
Another 22-year-old, the powerfully built Frenchman doled out an impressive 11 assists in 39 total appearances this term, which has also reportedly resulted in Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona making inquiries over his availability.
Along with Mendy, Manchester United have their sights set on Paris Saint-Germain winger Lucas Moura as well, according to Sport Witness.
The Brazilian came tantalizingly close to an Old Trafford move in 2012, but ultimately moved to Paris in a €40 million transfer after a stellar showing at the London Olympics.
In three seasons there, the well-rounded wide man has accumulated 45 goals and 52 assists across 233 total outings. However, given the January additions of Julian Draxler and Goncalo Guedes, it thought Lucas could be set for a departure this summer.
Next: Arsenal vs. Chelsea: FA Cup final combined XI
The report claims boss Jose Mourinho’s top target to fill Man United’s right wing position is his former colleague Willian, but since Chelsea are understandably not willing to do business with the Red Devils, Lucas has emerged as an alternative.
Sport Witness also relays a report from Italian outlet Il Messaggero, which details Liverpool’s supposed interest in a pair of Lazio players, Keita Balde and Stefan De Vrij.
Liverpool are said to have been in discussions with Lazio over the past ‘few days’ regarding Keita, who would represent excellent insurance behind Sadio Mane, Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino.
Capable of playing anywhere across the front line, the 22-year-old has broken out to the tune of 16 goals and five assists in Serie A this season.
While a fee of €25 million has been floated for Kieta, the Reds have apparently asked about De Vrij’s situation as well.
After missing virtually all of last season due to injury, the Dutchman returned to form over the course of the current campaign, starting 27 matches and supplying two goals and three assists from his central defensive position.
With Liverpool in dire need of support at the back, their supposed interest in De Vrij is perfectly believable, but it remains to be seen just how strong that attraction is.