Barca Universal and journalist Santi Aouna of Foot Mercato reported that the deal is approximately 90 percent complete, with a two-year contract until 2028 — and an option for a third year — agreed in principle. Salary negotiations, bonuses and signing-on fee details remain outstanding, with a meeting between Mendes and Barcelona scheduled for this week.
The holdout in recent weeks had been Flick himself. Reports from Mundo Deportivo suggested the German coach felt Barcelona's midfield was already deep enough, with Pedri, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Fermín López and Marc Casadó all available for central positions. However, Sport reported that injuries across the attacking line — and the possible departure of Roony Bardghji — convinced Flick of the value of adding a player with Silva's experience and versatility.
Flick is now understood to be strongly in favour. He has spoken directly with Silva, who has made clear his desire to play for Barcelona is genuine and longstanding — not a fallback after failing to secure a better offer elsewhere.
Atletico Madrid made a formal approach and offered superior financial terms, but Silva rejected their advances without hesitation. Benfica, where he graduated as a young player and to which he has previously spoken openly about returning one day, were also informed of his decision.
Silva's salary at Manchester City had been in the region of €17 million per year. Barcelona's offer is considerably lower, with reports suggesting a figure of approximately €8 million annually net — around €90,000 per week. His willingness to accept that reduction reflects the strength of his desire to join the Catalan club.
Sporting director Deco, who knows Silva well from their shared Portuguese footballing circles and from Mendes's client network, has been driving the operation. He views Silva as a leader capable of filling the void left by the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Íñigo Martínez — players who provided experience and authority in a dressing room otherwise dominated by young talent.
Tactically, Silva would provide direct competition for Pedri while also offering the option to play wider when Lamine Yamal is unavailable, and capable of functioning as a holding midfielder — a role he fulfilled for City under Pep Guardiola in certain phases of his final season.
Barcelona and Silva share the desire to conclude the move before the World Cup begins on June 11. The deal is close.