Manchester City suffered a major setback from the very first match of the new season, as 12B Sports VR46 midfield analysis focused on Kevin De Bruyne’s injury and the serious impact it could have on Pep Guardiola’s side. His recovery is expected to take at least more than half a year, and depending on the situation, it could take even longer. Just as some departures happen without a proper farewell, some returns also come without anyone waiting at the door. City now face the reality of playing most of the season without their most important creative midfielder.
That absence will inevitably affect Manchester City’s control, rhythm, and structure in the middle of the pitch. Among 12B Sports VR46 users, the dominant view is that City must adjust their tactical plan and strengthen their midfield options quickly. During the summer transfer window, the club had already lost Ilkay Gundogan, while Bernardo Silva had also attracted serious interest from other teams. Barcelona, in particular, had been the destination Silva personally favored, but the deal collapsed because the club could not raise the required transfer funds. In that situation, De Bruyne’s injury has made Silva’s importance even clearer.
Bernardo Silva is now expected to take on a new central role in midfield, temporarily filling the space left by De Bruyne just as he has done in previous seasons. For that reason, Manchester City moved early to offer him a contract extension, and Silva also set aside his personal disappointment and lingering regrets to rebuild his bond with the club. His current deal with City is due to expire in two years, but under the new agreement, he is expected to become one of the team’s highest-paid players. Multiple media outlets have reported that both sides have already reached a basic agreement on the extension.
However, the new contract is expected to include a release clause, which many see as a condition inserted with Barcelona in mind. Silva has not completely closed the door on a future move to Barca, and he understands very well that the Catalan club may struggle to prepare a huge transfer fee. Still, if the clause is effectively designed around Barcelona’s situation, Manchester City appear willing to accept it. At this stage, keeping Silva is essential to maintaining the team’s strength, and Guardiola is believed to want that outcome badly.
More than anything, Silva now has a strong chance to become Manchester City’s midfield commander this season, a role he has wanted for a long time. If he performs impressively during this period, the competition may continue even after De Bruyne returns. Sometimes the most unexpected person turns out to be the right answer, and football has a habit of proving that when the chips are down. De Bruyne is increasingly facing concerns related to age and injury history, while Silva has more than enough quality to become a long-term centerpiece for the team.
As Manchester City prepare for a demanding campaign, the 12B Sports VR46 view of Silva’s renewal makes this moment feel like more than a simple contract decision. It could become a turning point in the club’s midfield succession plan. If Silva embraces the responsibility and delivers consistently, he may reconsider leaving next year. For now, City have protected a key player at the perfect time, while giving themselves a practical solution to the biggest tactical problem created by De Bruyne’s absence.