Bernardo Silva is leaving Manchester City this summer – it’s official.
The Premier League champions confirmed on Thursday that the Portugal international’s glittering nine-year spell at the Etihad is over.
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But aged 31, Silva might just be getting started – and he is already being tipped to replace Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.
The Argentine joined David Beckham’s ambitious project in 2023 as a World Cup winner, and within three years, has helped deliver on-field glory in the form of the Supporters Shield and the MLS Cup.
His influence has been felt far beyond the pitch, too.
In the years since Messi arrived, Miami’s valuation has jumped to $1.45billon, while the team has built a brand new stadium, and sold countless more jerseys than any other in the league.
But the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner arrived in Florida as a seasoned veteran.
He can’t play on forever, and retirement is likely at the forefront of his mind — especially in the wake of coach Javier Mascherano’s shock resignation.
The 38-year-old has a contract that runs through the 2028 season, but any smart soccer team will have known for quite some time that they will be left without him one day.
Planning for the future is essential, but how does Miami replace an icon like Messi?
Bradley Wright-Phillips believes it will be a challenge to find someone that can match his force, both on and off the field.
The two-time MLS Golden Boot winner, who netted an impressive 117 league goals across a nine-year playing career in the US, has recently opened up about Messi’s massive impact — and tipped Silva to replace him.
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Premier League legend could take MLS to new level after Lionel Messi departure
“I think we have to live with the reality that you’re not going to replace him,” Wright-Phillips said, speaking to eSPORTY.com on behalf of Covers.com’s World Cup betting site.
“So what does he bring now? Obviously a lot of quality. We won’t have to talk about the talent. But that’s eyes.
“I think if you watch Inter Miami for Messi, then you’re going to notice Yannick Bright in midfield, a young player, very good.
“It’s the impact of him bringing the eyes and all the conversations to Major League Soccer, and then you see what’s there.
“Now, if you only watch that game to watch Messi, you still saw they have a beautiful stadium.
“But yeah, I think you’re going to try and obviously sign players after Messi.”
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Wright-Phillips went on to suggest a Premier League legend could fill the Argentine’s boots moving forward.
“I’ve heard rumours of Bernardo Silva,” he continued.
“I think that would be wonderful. You’re not going to get the same global impact, but I don’t think MLS should be chasing that anymore.
“I’ve been here for years and I really respect the league I’ve played in.
“The league is difficult. And I’d like to almost go away from just signing players because of who they are.
“I mentioned Bernardo Silva because I think if you brought him, he’s a world famous, unbelievable player.
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“But he also has quality and can still do it at his age. He’s only 31. He’s playing at a high level now. I’d rather see that.
“So when you do tune in to watch Major League Soccer, you’re not just seeing fireworks and Leo Messi.
“You’re seeing actual good teams, good coaches and good young players coming through.”
Bernardo Silva could have suitors outside MLS
Silva, who is Manchester City’s captain, has been one of the best Premier League players of his generation.
He’s won six titles, five League Cups, two FA Cups and one Champions League during his nine seasons with the Manchester club.
The midfielder has been a talismanic figure for many years, but will depart City when his contract expires at the end of the current campaign.
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Wright-Phillips believes Silva has admirers stateside, but there is reportedly interest closer to home, too.
European giants like Barcelona, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain are said to be interested in his services.
Should Silva choose the MLS as his next step, though, Wright-Phillips believes he would still command plenty of attention in the US.
While he might fall short of making Messi’s impact, he has been tipped to draw as much interest as Los Angeles FC star Son Heung-min.
“His whole country is locked into Major League Soccer now,” the former New York Red Bulls striker said of Son.
“And I just don’t think you’re going to get that again.
“These things are generational and I think we’ve just got to focus more on the quality of the person you bring.
“While they attract attention and you get some global recognition, they also have quality.
“When you watch the game, there’s a standard there.
“It’s not just coming here because he’s trying to retire, he’s coming here to also prove something and I think if we’re bringing players in, it has to be for that reason.”
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