For years, Bernardo Silva has been the heartbeat of Manchester City’s midfield – tireless, clever, and quietly brilliant. But now, at 31, the Portuguese playmaker finds himself facing a familiar question: stay at the top of European football, or cash in on a final big move?Reports from TalkSport suggest that Silva is once again in talks with Saudi clubs, with Al Hilal leading the charge with a jaw-dropping offer of £500,000 per week and a sign-on bonus of more than £2 million.Since joining City from Monaco in 2017, Silva has racked up over 400 appearances and collected a haul of silverware – six Premier League titles, a Champions League medal, and plenty of admiration from fans and teammates alike.Even this season, he’s far from a benchwarmer. Silva has started in four of City’s first six Premier League games, showing he remains a key part of Pep Guardiola’s plans. But the reality of age and opportunity is hard to ignore. With his next contract likely being his last major one, Silva is understandably weighing his options.
Saudi Arabia targets 2026 vision through Portuguese icons
Saudi Arabia’s football ambitions are no longer a secret, they’re strategic, focused, and firmly set on the 2026 World Cup. With Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr in 2023 opening the floodgates, the Saudi Pro League is keen to build a strong Portuguese presence, and Silva is high on their wish list.
Manchester City’s head coach Pep Guardiola talks to Bernardo Silva during the Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Manchester City in London, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Officials reportedly want him to sign a four-year deal, taking him through to the end of the current TV rights cycle in 2029. It’s not just about star power; it’s business. With the league now broadcast in 180 countries and revenues up by 20%, signing Silva would help sustain momentum, especially if Ronaldo departs in 2027, as expected.Al Hilal may have fired the first shot, but they’re not alone. Al Ahli and Al Qadsiah have also shown interest. Meanwhile, Al Nassr appears more focused on Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, although he reportedly turned down an even bigger offer of £700,000 per week from Al Hilal earlier this year.Despite their huge £1.5 billion budget this summer, Saudi clubs didn’t land every target. Al Hilal missed out on Victor Osimhen and Benjamin Sesko but managed to lure Darwin Núñez from Liverpool in a surprise £46 million deal. Foreign player quotas remain a barrier, as seen when Al Ittihad had to shelve their plans for Fernandes due to squad limits.
Interest spreads across rival clubs
Saudi clubs aren’t only chasing household names. They’re keeping a close eye on future stars, too. Big names like Harry Kane and Vinícius Júnior are firmly on the radar, while Premier League youngsters like Morgan Gibbs-White and Chelsea’s Andrey Santos are being monitored for long-term investment.
Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, left, and Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi fight for the ball during the Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Manchester City in London, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Even newly formed clubs like NEOM SC and Diriyah are entering the race, already snapping up players like Abdoulaye Doucouré. The message is clear: Saudi Arabia isn’t just collecting trophies; it’s building a football ecosystem.Silva’s decision won’t be just about money; it rarely is for players of his caliber. He’s made it clear that he’s committed to Manchester City, at least until the 2026 World Cup. His deep connection with Guardiola, his love for the game at the highest level, and his loyalty to City all matter.But there’s also the human side. At 31, he knows this could be his last big contract, a chance to secure his future and explore something new. The Saudi Pro League isn’t offering just a paycheque; they’re offering status, influence, and the chance to shape the league’s next chapter.