Barcelona keeping close tabs on Man City’s situation, two targets on the agenda

Barcelona are said to be extremely attentive to Manchester City’s situation, with Mundo Deportivo saying that in case the team from the Premier League is forced to facilitate the departure of some players, a certain Bernardo Silva will become the most wanted equity for the Blaugrana.

Barcelona’s interest in Silva is the worst-kept secret, to say the very least. The team from Catalonia showed interest in the Portuguese during the last summer transfer window, but financial limitations forced the team to back out of a deal.

Interestingly enough, if not for the troubled finances, the former Benfica man would have joined Barcelona as he was ‘crazy’ to play for Barça and even Pep Guardiola promised that he would not stand in the way of any player who no longer wants to leave.

Given the cost of the entire operation, which was thought to be around €100 million, Barcelona decided not to pursue the Portuguese.

As of today, however, Man City find themselves in deep trouble. The six-time Premier League winners were charged with breaking over 100 rules in relation to Financial Fair Play over a nine-year period spanning from 2009/10 to 2017/18.

The Cityzens are liable for several punishments if found guilty, which include being expelled from the league, heavy points deduction, or a hefty fine.

In these extreme cases, City would become a hunting ground for clubs across Europe and Barcelona can then try to snatch Bernardo Silva for a relatively lower fee.

Interestingly enough, Silva isn’t the only City player that Barcelona have their eyes on. As it turns out, Ilkay Gundogan’s contractual situation has made him an interesting candidate for Barcelona.

The German ends his City contract at the end of the season and as of now, there is no progress with regard to a possible extension. At 32 years of age, Gundogan is being looked at as someone who can help the growth of players like Pedri and Gavi.