Manchester, England Manchester City’s 2026 transfer strategy could be heavily influenced by academy graduate Oscar Bobb, according to a new report detailing the growing uncertainty surrounding captain Bernardo Silva’s future at the Etihad Stadium.
Silva, now 31, has entered the final year of his contract and is attracting interest from Saudi Arabia and Portugal. Despite his iconic status under Pep Guardiola, the Portuguese playmaker has yet to be offered a renewal, fueling speculation that the 2025–26 campaign could be his last in Manchester.
Sources indicate that Benfica are leading the push to bring their academy graduate home, while both Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona remain long-time admirers. However, Guardiola and new director of football Hugo Viana are reportedly determined not to let Silva leave without resistance, seeing his leadership and technical brilliance as vital to City’s ongoing success.
Since arriving from AS Monaco in 2017, Silva has been at the heart of Manchester City’s historic dominance, contributing to six Premier League titles and the club’s maiden UEFA Champions League triumph. His consistency, intelligence, and adaptability have made him indispensable to Guardiola’s tactical evolution over the years.
Nevertheless, Silva will be free to negotiate with new clubs from January 1, 2026, and City insiders believe that the club may not present a formal contract extension before then. The situation mirrors Kevin De Bruyne’s recent departure, after Hugo Viana and the Etihad hierarchy concluded the Belgian was past his peak, allowing him to join Napoli on a free transfer earlier this summer.
According to Mail Sport’s Jack Gaughan, Manchester City have no plans to sign a new forward in the upcoming January window. However, the uncertainty surrounding Silva’s future has prompted internal discussions about potential replacements, including links to Bayern Munich and French winger Michael Olise.
Yet, the club’s approach to filling Silva’s shoes appears to depend on the progression of Oscar Bobb. The Norwegian winger, who has faced injury setbacks, remains highly regarded within the club. City’s leadership reportedly believe Bobb could step up as a long-term internal solution if he delivers consistently this season.
Under Viana’s restructuring, City have already parted ways with several key names, including Ilkay Gundogan, Ederson, and De Bruyne. The club’s refreshed roster—bolstered by seven new arrivals—signals a new era, one where youth and adaptability will define the squad’s evolution. If Silva does exit next summer, his departure could mark the symbolic end of Guardiola’s original core at the Etihad.
FAQs
1. Who could replace Bernardo Silva at Manchester City?
Manchester City’s transfer plans for 2026 could depend largely on the development of Oscar Bobb. If the academy graduate impresses this season, the club may opt against signing a big-name replacement. Otherwise, external targets such as Michael Olise could be pursued.
2. Why hasn’t Bernardo Silva renewed his contract?
Silva is reportedly considering options closer to home in Portugal and has yet to receive a new contract offer from City. The club, under Hugo Viana, is taking a more financially cautious approach following a summer overhaul.
3. When can Silva begin negotiations with other clubs?
Under FIFA regulations, Silva will be allowed to open formal talks with other clubs from January 1, 2026, if no renewal is agreed upon.
4. How is Hugo Viana changing Manchester City’s transfer policy?
Since his appointment as director of football, Viana has focused on youth development and financial discipline, overseeing major exits like De Bruyne, Gundogan, and Ederson while integrating younger, dynamic talents into Pep Guardiola’s squad.
5. What role does Oscar Bobb play in City’s plans?
Bobb’s performances this season are viewed as a key factor in determining whether City will need to invest in a high-profile right winger to replace Silva in 2026.
Conclusion
As uncertainty grows around Bernardo Silva’s future, Manchester City’s 2026 transfer plans are beginning to take shape under Hugo Viana’s new direction. The club’s decision to either retain Silva, promote from within through Oscar Bobb, or target an external replacement will define the next phase of Guardiola’s project. What’s clear is that the Etihad hierarchy is preparing for change, balancing loyalty to proven veterans with a forward-thinking vision that keeps City at the top of European football.
