Manchester City Prepares for Leadership Changes as Bernardo Silva’s Departure Looms

Bernardo Silva is set to part ways with Manchester City this summer at the age of 31 unless an extension to his contract is negotiated. Pep Guardiola, who has a roster full of strong personalities, is unlikely to worry about on-field leadership should he remain in charge through the 2025-26 season, even as questions about his future persist.

Ruben Dias, currently in a relationship with Love Island host Maya Jama, has frequently assumed the captaincy role. At 28 years old and a key figure in City’s defense, he appears to be the logical candidate to succeed Silva. Erling Haaland is also a contender for this position, given his significant contribution of 26 goals this season.

The Manchester Evening News reports that if Silva departs at the end of the season, it would be surprising if the new captain did not emerge from the current squad. Dias was previously in line for the captaincy before Silva received the armband, and he is now seen as the frontrunner. Guardiola has noted the importance of Dias’s leadership, despite his current injury. Other candidates include Rodri and Haaland, but Dias seems poised to take over the captaincy.

As City prepares for Silva’s departure, they are also keen to retain other experienced players, including Phil Foden, whose contract runs until the summer of 2027.

Further insights from the Evening News highlighted that Rodri’s contract is set to expire in less than 18 months. Guardiola expressed confidence in Rodri’s return to form, although he anticipates it may take until the end of the current season. This situation places City in a unique position concerning his contract, especially given their careful management of his rehabilitation. Progress on Foden’s new contract is reportedly moving smoothly and is expected to be finalized before those for Josko Gvardiol or Rodri.

With the January transfer window open, City has made moves to strengthen their squad by acquiring Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi. However, they do not plan to sign another midfielder this window, as the acquiring of marquee players has proven challenging. The clubs from which Guehi and Semenyo were signed were amenable to selling, which facilitated these acquisitions.

City aims to secure a marquee midfielder in the summer, especially since they cannot afford another season where two-thirds of their options for the holding role are sidelined by injuries.

Currently, Manchester City is competing for major trophies across four competitions: the Premier League, Champions League, Carabao Cup, and FA Cup. Silva hopes to lift at least one of these trophies before bidding farewell to Manchester after nine unforgettable years.