Pep Guardiola likes PSG midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery and proposed signing him as part of a deal that would have seen Bernardo Silva depart Manchester City.
This summer, the Portugal international was extensively linked with a move to the French capital club, but no deal materialized, and he instead signed a new contract at the Etihad. However, it has subsequently been revealed that the new contract contains a £50 million release clause.
Silva was instrumental in City’s treble-winning season last season after Guardiola disregarded his own rule on allowing players to leave the club. In the past, the City manager has not obstructed players from leaving the Etihad Stadium if they so desire.
Indeed, when Guardiola permitted Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko to join Arsenal in the summer of 2022 while Raheem Sterling joined Chelsea, he said: “When you don’t want to stay and want to leave, you cannot stay.” This was similarly the technique taken when Leroy Sane left for Bayern Munich previously.
Silva has long been open to leaving City, despite his continued prominence under Guardiola. He is still one of the first names on the teamsheet, and despite not having the stardom of Erling Haaland or Kevin De Bruyne, Silva is an important starter who consistently provides big moments.
According to RMC Sport, Guardiola was hesitant to let him leave this summer, but in talks with PSG about a possible transfer, the City manager said that talented midfielder Zaire-Emery would go the opposite way in any potential deal.
The 17-year-old is predominantly a defensive midfielder with a noteworthy physique and strong technical talents, having made 38 appearances for the French club since his debut a year ago – and has also been a member of France’s under-21 set-up.
Zaire-Emery became PSG’s youngest ever goalscorer in February, at the age of 16 years and 330 days, and 13 days later, he became the youngest player to start a Champions League knockout game. He represents PSG’s move to a younger core of players with ties to the French capital.
Silva signed a contract extension with City last month, although it was just for one year, extending his term from the summer of 2025 to the summer of 2026. He also received a raise in pay, making him one of the highest-paid players at the club, reflecting his position in the team.
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