Joao Felix reveals Barcelona talks with Bernardo Silva

Joao Felix reported that Bernardo Silva has inquired about Barcelona, claiming that the Manchester City player is his number one transfer target. Felix’s support for his colleague comes amid swirling transfer rumours linking Silva to a possible move to Barcelona.

Mundo Deportivo has claimed Silva’s growing interest in joining Barcelona, adding fuel to the already strong transfer rumours surrounding the Portuguese maestro. Silva’s $63 million (£50 million) release clause at City, which begins this summer, prompted Felix to encourage his bosses to move the Portuguese forward to Camp Nou.

Speaking to Gerard Romero’s show Jijantes FC, Felix didn’t mince words, stating: “If I were (Sporting Director) Deco for a day, I would sign Bernardo Silva without a doubt.”

The endorsement didn’t stop there as Felix added: “Let them bring him (to Barca). Have you seen him play? He’s even better as a person. He’s from (Joao) Cancelo’s generation. Now players last until they are 35-36 years old. His sister-in-law is here, (he’s asked me) about how things are here, the weather, tax issues… I told him it’s all right for him to come. I don’t think Manchester City will make it easy. For $63 million (£50 million) I would bring him, even for €60-70 million ($65-76 million).”

Felix also revealed that Silva would like to take the prestigious No.10 shirt at Barcelona once worn by club legend Lionel Messi. “He would like to wear the number 10,” he said. “It’s a very important number at the club, you can’t give it to just anyone, you have to be careful. It’s my favourite number, but I’ve never worn it.”

If Barcelona decides to pursue Silva in the forthcoming transfer window, they will need to sell some of their current assets to comply with La Liga’s Financial Fair Play requirements (FFP). President Joan Laporta would definitely face a difficult task in completing this deal, given he has already promised to keep Felix and Joao Cancelo at the end of their respective loan stints.