Man City star Pep Guardiola loves looks set to leave - but keeping him could be a transfer masterstroke

"My weakness." Pep Guardiola knows full well he has a soft spot for Bernardo Silva but Manchester City must be careful not to lose some steel this summer.

The mood music suggests Bernardo will depart the Etihad when his contract runs out in a matter of months. He has spoken about one day returning to first club Benfica and said earlier in the season that he knows what he wants to do next, which suggests a departure is likely.

Bernardo has spent nine years in Manchester and played more games for Guardiola than any other player. The Blues boss broke with tradition last summer in appointing his own captain rather than letting the players decide. Silva was named skipper.

FOLLOW OUR MAN CITY FACEBOOK PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester City Facebook page

The Portugal international can often polarise fans but last season, when City were struggling, he was a constant. A foot soldier prepared to go to war in difficult conditions.

This term his experience has been vital and he's produced some exceptional performances. Without him, City probably lose at Anfield and maybe the title challenge splutters out.

“I sleep better before when I decide to play Bernardo in the team," said Guardiola last month. "I go to bed and sleep better. I have to take care of my health and absolutely, he's another type. He’s a competitor. He has fire in his eyes still. He never finds excuses. Never. And that's why he is a special, special player, how he competes in every single game."

Bernardo's mentality, will to win, ability to rattle opponents and openness to speak his mind mark him out. As City rebuild, he is a constant. The Blues have a host of talented young players in the early and mid 20s who are already leaders, they have the core of a top team for many years to come and in Nico O'Reilly they perhaps already have a ready-made Bernardo replacement.

But even if Bernardo wasn't part of the first-choice XI week in, week out, City will lose a lot if and when the 31-year-old goes. He may not be the force of old, but he sets standards and his leadership qualities and experiences are almost unrivalled. He's proved this season that he has plenty to offer and while City could replace his on-pitch abilities, what he gives behind the scenes is a tangible that is much more difficult to replicate.

“I would love for Man City, for myself as well, [that] Bernardo is going to stay forever," said Guardiola. "But so we spoke a lot with Bernie and Bernie has to decide the best for him and his family. And whatever happens this season, next season, in 10 years, he will remain one of the greatest players that this club has had in its long history.”

Whatever happens between now and May, having Bernardo as part of the squad next season would be a best-case outcome as the City of the future emerges. He may not be part of it, but he can shape it.

Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings