Manchester City Reveals Bernardo Silva Will Leave Etihad This Season

Manchester City has signaled it will let Bernardo Silva go at the end of this season (Instagram/@mancity).

JAKARTA - Manchester City assistant coach Pep Lijnders gave the strongest hint that Bernardo Silva will leave the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season by saying 'every good story ends'.

Silva's contract with the Citizens is due to expire in June 2026. The veteran Portuguese has repeatedly said he knows what he is doing when asked about his future, but has not officially clarified his plans.

However, Lijnders appeared to confirm Silva's departure this summer when he took over the post-match press conference duties from Pep Guardiola after Manchester City's 4-0 victory over Liverpool on Saturday, April 4, 2026.

"Every good story has an end. I hope he enjoys his last months - only six weeks left - and has a good farewell. He also deserves all that attention," said Lijnders.

Silva, 31, has been linked with moves to Saudi Arabia, Barcelona, and his boyhood club Benfica.

Manchester City have also been linked with several midfielders ahead of the summer transfer window, including Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali, but Lijnders insists it is unlikely to replace Silva.

"You never replace a player with the same type of player because that type of player doesn't exist. Bernardo Silva is unique."

"The way he controls the game, the way he moves, the way he receives the ball, the way he leads, the way he sees solutions. All these things."

"You never look to replace a player with just one type. You look for what is needed to develop with the team and someone who can get into the starting 11."

"Then you hope, with our academy, with the young players we have bought, they can also step up to the midfield position," he said.

Meanwhile, Manchester City's victory over Liverpool took them to the FA Cup semi-final, after previously lifting the Carabao Cup earlier this season.