Manchester City’s star midfielder Bernardo Silva appears headed for a summer departure after a stellar career that includes six Premier League titles, a Champions League triumph, two FA Cups, and five Carabao Cups across 450 appearances. The 31-year-old Portugal international enters the final year of his contract amid ongoing speculation about his future.
Bernardo Silva’s Farewell Looms
Assistant manager Pep Lijnders hinted at Silva’s imminent exit during post-match media duties following the FA Cup quarter-final victory over Liverpool. Addressing how the team might replace him, Lijnders stated: “Every good story comes to an end and I hope he enjoys the last months – because there is only six weeks – and has a good farewell. He deserves all the attention as well.”
City’s path could still deliver one last trophy, with the team drawn against Sky Bet Championship side Southampton in the FA Cup semi-finals. Leeds United will take on Chelsea in the other matchup.
Southampton Earns City Clash
Southampton secured their semi-final spot by defeating Premier League leaders Arsenal 2-1 in the quarter-finals. The promotion-chasing Saints now face a blockbuster tie against Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Leeds’ Dramatic Advance
Leeds progressed after a thrilling quarter-final against West Ham. Leading 2-0 at the London Stadium, they withstood a late Hammers comeback with two added-time goals, forcing extra time. Leeds ultimately won 4-2 on penalties, reaching the last four for the first time since 1987.
The semi-finals take place at Wembley on Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26.
Arsenal Shifts to Champions League
Arsenal midfielder Christian Norgaard called on his teammates to move past their FA Cup upset quickly. Substitute Shea Charles’ late goal sealed Southampton’s victory, echoing City’s Carabao Cup final win over the Gunners two weeks prior.
Arsenal returns to Champions League action with a quarter-final first leg against Sporting Lisbon in midweek, followed by a Premier League clash with Bournemouth. Norgaard emphasized: “The message is to have a positive body language, to talk with your team-mates, with the coaching staff. Now is not the time to go with our heads down for too long. It’s fine to be frustrated tonight and also tomorrow to analyse what went wrong, but then we also have to look forward because there are so many big games coming up for this club.”
Championship Fixtures on Easter Monday
Easter Monday spotlights the Sky Bet Championship. Leaders Coventry aim to protect their 11-point advantage over Millwall when visiting play-off hopefuls Hull. Millwall, fresh off a Good Friday win at Middlesbrough that boosted them into automatic promotion spots, host Norwich. Middlesbrough travel to Swansea, while fourth-placed Ipswich welcome Birmingham. Relegation-threatened Leicester and Oxford face Sheffield Wednesday and Portsmouth away, respectively.
