Rodri Signals End of Bernardo Silva’s City Era Amid Transfer Buzz

Manchester City’s midfield maestro Rodri has delivered a definitive verdict on Bernardo Silva’s future at the club, confirming in no uncertain terms that the Portuguese dynamo’s time at Etihad Stadium is over.

Speaking to @ellargero, Rodri didn’t mince words: “For sure he can play in any club. He’s still doing great, physically perfect, he can do top things.” But the most telling line? “His chapter at City was closed.”

The comments come amid swirling transfer speculation surrounding the attacking midfielder, who remains a key figure for Portugal as they prepare for their third consecutive FIFA World Cup. Head coach Roberto Martínez has included Silva in the 26-man squad for the 2026 tournament across the USA, Canada and Mexico — a milestone for a player who already boasts 107 senior caps and 14 international goals. His previous appearances at Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022 make him one of the most experienced figures in the current national setup.

According to The Athletic, Silva is now in advanced talks with both Barcelona and Atlético Madrid following his exit from City. While Barça’s primary focus this window remains securing Julian Álvarez, Atlético are reportedly offering a more lucrative package than their Catalan rivals — a crucial factor given Silva’s status as a proven Premier League performer.

Meanwhile, Rodri himself is not immune to the transfer frenzy. ESPN reports that the Spain international has made it clear he’ll wait until after the World Cup to consider his own future, despite persistent links to Real Madrid. His name is frequently mentioned in connection with Europe’s elite, and the coming months could be pivotal.

Rodri has already joined up with Spain for pre-World Cup training in Las Rozas, Madrid, underscoring the high stakes for both club and country in the months ahead. As the dust settles on one era at City, another begins to take shape — not just for Silva, but for the man who just declared his departure.