Pep Guardiola nurturing Bernardo Silva’s ideal successor at Manchester City

As Manchester City prepare for another potential squad overhaul this summer, manager Pep Guardiola may already have the perfect replacement lined up if long-serving star Bernardo Silva departs the club.

Silva has been a key figure for City since joining in 2017, contributing 69 goals and 69 assists in nearly 400 appearances across all competitions. However, the Portuguese midfielder’s impact has waned this season amid ongoing speculation about his future.

With Silva’s contract set to expire next year, City may look to cash in this summer rather than risk losing him for free. Paris Saint-Germain has emerged as a potential destination for the 30-year-old playmaker.

While Silva’s creativity and work rate would be difficult to replace, Guardiola appears to have an exciting option already in the squad – recent signing Claudio Echeverri. The 19-year-old Argentine joined City from River Plate in January and is tipped for a bright future.

Echeverri has yet to make his City debut but has already drawn comparisons to Silva for his technical ability and vision in attacking midfield. Guardiola has hinted at involving the teenager before the end of the season to aid his adaptation.

Talent scouts have labeled Echeverri a “proper superstar” who is “destined for greatness.” If he can follow in the footsteps of fellow River Plate product Julian Alvarez, Echeverri could prove to be the ideal long-term successor to Silva in City’s midfield.

While it may take time for the young Argentine to adjust to the Premier League, his potential suggests City already have Silva’s replacement waiting in the wings as Guardiola prepares for the next evolution of his squad.