Manchester City announce the signing of midfielder Bernardo Silva from Monaco

Manchester City have announced the signing of midfielder Bernardo Silva from French champions Monaco.

It’s official. @BernardoCSilva will join City on July 1st! #WelcomeBernardodWswQzTPYB

— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 26, 2017

The 22-year-old Portugal international, who rose to prominence this season with some eye-catching performances in Ligue 1 and the Champions League, has joined City on a five-year deal for an undisclosed fee. He will wear the number 20 shirt.

Sources close to the club have told City Watch that the total cost of the deal is around £43 million, while reports in France claim it is closer to £60 million.

Pep Guardiola has moved quickly in the market to sign a player who was also targeted by neighbours Manchester United, and an already formidable attacking force looks even more impressive with the addition of one of Europe’s brightest young playmakers.

Having initially joined Monaco from Benfica on a one-year loan deal, the principality club later his move permanent by splashing out €15.75 million to sign him. The gifted midfielder soon proved himself to be worth the fee and more, going on to make 147 appearances for Monaco, scoring 28 goals and registering 19 assists.

Silva was one of the many who impressed over the two games between Monaco and Manchester City in the Champions League last season, assisting Kylian Mbappé’s opener in Monaco’s 3-1 win that sent City crashing out of the Champions League.

Speaking to the official website, Silva said:

“It feels great. To be honest I’m now at one of the best teams in the world. To be part of this club and to have this opportunity is great.

“I’m very happy to be part of Manchester City’s team and I look forward to trying to do my best to help the team reach their goals.

“If not the best coach in the world, Pep is one of the best.

“Of course when you have the opportunity of being trained by Guardiola, you don’t say no.

“As we all know, what he did in Barcelona and Bayern Munich was amazing and we expect also here that he will win titles. It’s great to be working with him and to have this opportunity.”