Barcelona sporting director Deco revealed that Bernardo Silva's first choice was FC Barcelona before he ultimately moved to Real Madrid. Financial terms and squad needs influenced Barcelona's decision not to pursue the transfer.
“"He wanted to come to Barça, but it didn't work out," ujar Deco.”
— Bernardo Silva
Bernardo Silva plays for Real Madrid, but his first choice was FC Barcelona, according to their sporting director Deco. Silva left Manchester City after nine years in the summer transfer window.
"He wanted to come to Barça, but it didn't work out," Deco said in an interview on Spanish radio.
"We have certain parameters, and it wasn't the position we were looking for. Besides, it came down to financial terms and playing time—he wanted to play. If his perspective differs from ours, there is nothing we can do," Deco added.
The 32-year-old Portuguese midfielder has been a star for City and the national team, winning numerous titles including the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
Transfer Context and Financial Terms
Silva signed for Madrid as a free agent, though his signing involved a €10 million signing bonus, a €10m agent fee, and €20m a year in salary for three years, plus taxes.
Barcelona's offer was reportedly significantly lower compared to the financial package offered by their rivals.
The Catalans instead opted to reinforce the midfield through another former Manchester City player, Rodri.
"A few months ago, we didn't even consider signing him," Deco said regarding Rodri, noting that an opportunity arose when they learned City would let him go.
Read Also
Ruben Amorim Sambut Baik Frustrasi Christian Pulisic dan Beri Sinyal Main Lawan Lazio
Pelatih AC Milan Ruben Amorim memahami kekecewaan Christian Pulisic karena...
Roberto De Zerbi Pecat Odds Anjlok di Tottenham Hotspur Selepas Update Pakar
Peluang atau odds pemecatan Roberto De Zerbi sebagai manajer Tottenham...
Presiden Como Asal Indonesia Serahkan Kursi UCL ke Penonton 75 Tahun
Presiden Klub Como 1907 asal Indonesia, Mirwan Suwarso, bersama para...
Tottenham Hotspur Raih Poin Perdana Usai Imbang Kontra Nottingham Forest
Tottenham Hotspur meraih poin pertama mereka musim ini setelah bermain...
Different Profiles and Squad Integration
Rodri is a very different type of player, acting as a holding midfielder and metronome rather than an attacking specialist like Silva.
The FIFA World Cup hero was not signed cheaply, commanding a salary around €30m a year and a €76.5m transfer fee.
Rodri's situation was unique because he was under contract with City and coming off an amazing World Cup performance.
Barcelona ultimately adjusted their strategy based on squad balance, financial parameters, and the availability of different profiles in the transfer market.
