Manchester City Considering Move For West Ham Star To Replace Bernardo Silva

Manchester City may look to West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes as a replacement for club-stalwart Bernardo Silva.

Silva’s contract expires at the end of the season, with no progress over a new deal.

With the club preparing to lose a key player in the summer, finding a suitable replacement will be key.

It has already been a busy transfer window for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Manchester City signed Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, and completed a £65 million deal for Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo.

Injuries to defenders John Stones, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol pushed City into signing Guehi.

But the England international has settled quickly at the Etihad, and looks a great signing.

In the other direction, Fulham signed Oscar Bobb after the 22-year-old’s path to regular football was blocked by Semenyo’s arrival.

But it may not be until the summer that they complete their most important business of the year.

Man City Preparing For Life After Bernardo Silva

With talks over a new deal stalling, Bernardo Silva’s exit looks increasingly likely.

The Portuguese has made almost 450 appearances for City in nearly a decade at the club.

In that time, he’s scored 73 goals and provided 77 assists.

Prime Bernardo Silva was a scary proposition. pic.twitter.com/0jW7SGs7sk

— EPL Bible (@EPLBible) January 20, 2026

Silva has helped City to six Premier League titles and a Champions League crown during his time at the Etihad.

Naturally, replacing the 31-year-old will be a major priority.

And it looks like they could turn to another Portuguese talent at the other end of his career.

Mateus Fernandes Wanted By Manchester City

According to reports, 21-year-old Mateus Fernandes has been identified as a possible long-term successor.

The former Sporting CP attacking midfielder joined Southampton at the start of last season.

Despite the Saints’s relegation in 20th place, Fernandes was a shining light in an otherwise dreadful team.

His performances on the South Coast earned him a £42 million move to West Ham last summer.

Mateus Fernandes (21) is doing *everything* he can to push @WestHam up the table.

Teams are going to battle for his signature soon enough. pic.twitter.com/gkey7IrGKC

— Football Wonderkids (@fbwonderkids) January 17, 2026

Once again battling relegation, Fernandes has scored four goals and provided three assists in 25 appearances for the Irons.

Naturally, 18th-placed West Ham have no intention of letting Fernandes leave during the January window.

A recent arrival under a long-term contract, the club are under no pressure to sell him mid-season.

But should they fail to escape relegation, they may be forced to offload high-value players like Fernandes in order to balance the books.

Southampton were the victims of such circumstances last season, with the Saints also reluctant to sell a player in Fernandes who had only joined a year ago.

But the reality of relegation means those heading to the Championship are left with little choice.

And while some might say that Southampton to West Ham was something of a sideways move, few could begrudge Fernandes if Manchester City come calling.