PSG Legend Pauleta Criticizes Al-Khelaifi Over Missed Bernardo Silva Signing

Pauleta’s missed opportunity: PSG’s bid for Bernardo Silva

Paris, October 2023 – The saga of Bernardo Silva’s potential transfer to Paris Saint-Germain has been a long-standing tale. The Parisian club has made multiple attempts to secure the Portuguese attacking midfielder from Manchester City, yet none have come to fruition. This situation leaves a lingering regret, especially for former PSG striker Pedro Miguel Pauleta.

An early recommendation overlooked

Pauleta expressed that PSG could have acted sooner in their pursuit of Silva. In a light-hearted tone, he revealed that he personally recommended Silva to Nasser al-Khelaifi, the club’s president, even before the player made a name for himself at AS Monaco under Luis Campos’ guidance.

A poignant anecdote from the former PSG striker

Pauleta recounted a revealing anecdote about this missed opportunity. While attending a Portuguese women’s national team match in Manchester, he encountered Silva and snapped a photo with him. He sent the picture to al-Khelaifi, reigniting the idea of a transfer.

“There is one player I won’t forgive the PSG president for not signing (laughs), because he’s someone I spoke to him about several times,” Pauleta shared on the show 90+3 on A Bola. “I mentioned him before he went to Monaco and while he was there. It’s Bernardo Silva. I attended a women’s national team match in Manchester, and Bernardo was there too. I took a photo with him and sent it to the president, asking, ‘How come you haven’t signed him yet?’ He replied that Bernardo no longer wanted to join PSG, so I remarked, ‘Of course, now he’s at Manchester City.’ We joked while exchanging messages,” he added.

This story highlights a humorous yet regretful episode in PSG’s transfer history, underscoring Pauleta’s enduring affection for the club and his desire to see Silva in the Parisian jersey.