Galatasaray have reportedly withdrawn from the race to sign Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva after being stunned by the Portuguese star’s financial demands ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Turkish champions were interested in signing the 31-year-old playmaker on a free transfer once his Manchester City contract expires at the end of the season.
Silva, who has spent several successful years at the Etihad Stadium, is expected to leave the Premier League champions this summer after helping the club win multiple domestic titles under Pep Guardiola.
Galatasaray had hoped to repeat the success of previous high-profile signings, including former City midfielder İlkay Gündoğan, as they continue strengthening their squad for next season.
However, reports from Turkish outlet Superhaber claim negotiations quickly collapsed after Silva demanded a total financial package worth around €55 million for a proposed three-year contract.
The deal would reportedly include a huge signing bonus and an annual salary exceeding €18 million, figures Galatasaray executives are said to have considered unrealistic.
Silva’s salary expectations would place him among the highest-paid players in Turkish football, close to the earnings of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen currently earns about €21 million annually under a complex payment structure, with Galatasaray reportedly covering €15 million directly while additional income comes through image rights agreements.
Club officials were unwilling to further increase their wage bill by adding another major salary alongside Osimhen and other star players already on the books.
As a result, the Turkish giants are believed to have stepped away from negotiations entirely.
With Galatasaray no longer pursuing the deal, attention is now shifting toward Spain, where Atlético Madrid are reportedly working on an agreement for the experienced midfielder.
Reports suggest Diego Simeone’s side are preparing a 2+1 year contract offer for Silva as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of next season.
Silva leaves Manchester City as one of the club’s most decorated modern players, having won six Premier League titles and several other domestic honours during his time in England.
