Pep Lijnders has confirmed that Manchester City skipper Bernardo Silva will depart the Etihad Stadium at the conclusion of this campaign, bringing an end to his nine-year spell with the club.
The Portuguese midfielder assumed captaincy duties this season and has played a crucial role in restoring standards following last year's disappointing campaign under Pep Guardiola.
Silva indicated to journalists during the Club World Cup last June that this would be his final season, though he has yet to make a formal announcement.
The 31-year-old is determined to claim a seventh Premier League winners' medal before his exit, though City currently trail leaders Arsenal by nine points with a match in hand.
Regarding his next destination, the midfielder has several potential suitors vying for his signature.
American football beckons as MLS clubs have expressed interest, while Italian giants Juventus are keen to convince him to move to Serie A.
Barcelona have long admired the playmaker, though his former teammate Ilkay Gundogan has since moved on to Galatasaray.
Silva previously came close to leaving City on two occasions, most notably during the Covid pandemic when Paris Saint-Germain emerged as the most serious contenders.
However, the French club's offer fell considerably short of the £70million asking price.
The Portuguese international has ruled out an immediate return to Benfica, believing such a move would be premature at this stage of his career.
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Despite his deep affection for the club, Silva has acknowledged that English life has not always suited him during his time at the Etihad.
The midfielder previously confessed that geography plays a significant role in his decision to move on.
"If Manchester City was in Lisbon, I'd stay until I'm 40," Silva admitted. "I truly love the football club, my team-mates, staff, fans, stadium, atmosphere - everything about my professional life."
Silva's departure will not be the only significant exit this summer, with defender John Stones also set to leave when his contract expires.
Their departures mean Phil Foden will stand alone as the last remaining member of the record-breaking 2018 Centurions squad.
Lijnders, the former Liverpool assistant, offered glowing praise for the Portuguese captain's abilities.
"Bernardo Silva is unique," Lijnders said. "It will be hard because in a game when he is not playing you will see how he is missed - and that's only one game. Imagine a season."
The coach highlighted Silva's exceptional game intelligence, particularly his understanding of when to drop deep or create space away from Rodri.
"Every good story comes to an end, and I hope he enjoys the last months," Lijnders added. "He deserves all that attention."
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