Bernardo Silva is set to stay at Manchester City for another three years after he signed a new contract on Wednesday, 23 August, and he has credited the fans with helping him make the decision.
It had been rumoured that the Portuguese midfielder could possibly leave the Etihad for the past couple of seasons now after there had been interest from the likes of Barcelona, PSG and most recently Saudi Arabia, but City fans will be delighted to hear he’s now snubbed all of them in favour of staying.
Announcing the contract extension on social media, Man City confirmed that fan favourite Silva will now be staying until at least 2026, adding an extra year onto his current deal.
Having already spent six seasons at the club, should he fulfil his newly revised contract until it expires, he will have spent just shy of a decade in blue.
Describing his time with this team as “a dream” thus far, the 29-year-old said: “I’ve had six incredible years at Manchester City and I’m delighted to extend my time here.
“Winning the treble last season was extremely special and it’s exciting to be part of a squad where there is such a hunger and passion.
“I love the manager, my teammates and the fans and hope we can share even more great memories in the coming years.”
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The treble-winner also said that the affection he has received from the fan base down the years played a big part in influencing his decision, insisting that “the way they treat me and they help me, it’s a motivation. Since day one… the way the fans show their love and support is, of course, a big factor”.
You can watch the full interview after singing his new contract extension HERE.
With one of his key midfield partners having recently departed the club after Ilkay Gündogan joined Barcelona following seven years at the Etihad — another transfer rumour that rumbled on for some time and felt somewhat inevitable — supporters will be relieved to see that one of their most special players will be staying for a few more years.
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Since joining from AS Monaco back in 2017, Silva has scored a total of 55 goals in 308 appearances, won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups; four League Cups, two Community Shields and now the Champions League, not to mention countless awards from the PFA and at club level. Not too shabby.
Safe to say Bernardo Silva is the kind of player you want to keep around for as long as possible.
One crucial figure they will have to do without, though, at least until after the international break is manager Pep Guardiola, who is recovering over in Spain after undergoing back surgery.
Dame Sarah Storey is going on Strictly Come Dancing 2026
Danny Jones
Record-breaking local athlete and Paralympian, Dame Sarah Storey, is set to become the latest to join the Strictly Come Dancing annals.
With the Strictly cast for 2026 steadily being unveiled, we always keep an eye out for the Greater Manchester names in particular.
That being said, we’re buzzing to see the hugely successful Stockport swimmer turned cyclist will be swapping her Team GB kit for sparkly, sequined ballroom gowns and an entirely different type of sport and fitness.
Announced on Friday, 17 July, Storey is the seventh celebrity to be confirmed for the 24th series of the hit BBC show and dancing competition.
Having represented her country not only at nine Paralympics but across two different disciplines after switching to the racing bike back in 2005, she’s our most decorated competitor in the entire history of the Games with 30 medals to her name – 19 of which are gold.
Absolute GOAT levels.
But now the Cheadle Hulme-born is once again set to show her versatility to see how she fares on the dance floor later this year.
Commenting ahead of the new-look season which starts this September, the 48-year-old said: “Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting.
“I have always loved watching Strictly, and my daughter Louisa is a very talented dancer, so to be able to learn from the best and hopefully understand even more about her world is incredibly motivating! I can’t wait to get started!”
This latest sea-change comes not long after the local legend and sporting icon officially announced her retirement from professional sport more than three decades on from first bursting onto the scene.
Thank you for taking the time to leave all the incredible messages. It’s so wonderful to read them and thank you for being the greatest supporters 🥰
— Dame Sarah Storey (@DameSarahStorey) July 9, 2026
What a career she’s had; it obviously didn’t take her long to get tired of sitting still for once, either.
She will be joined by the likes of Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer and Will Best.
In case you missed it, the upcoming edition of Strictly Come Dancing will be the first since Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and pro dancer Johannes Radebe stepping in as replacements.
In other starring Stockport news, we’ve finally got more info on the final season of a popular programme filmed in the area. Find out more down below.
Oasis’ Wonderwall on the brink of becoming UK number one for first time ever 30 years after initial release
Emily Sergeant
Could Wonderwall FINALLY become UK number one for the first time ever?
England may no longer be in the running to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being knocked out in the Semi Finals by Argentina, who claimed a 2-1 win when the two teams faced off in Atlanta on Wednesday night (15 July), but it looks like that hasn’t harmed Wonderwall’s trajectory to the top of the Official UK Charts.
Oasis’ most-streamed song of all time – and arguably their most famous – is currently sitting right at the top of Spotify’s Global charts, meaning it is in the race to become the official UK number one later today.
Despite the fact it never reached number one when it was first released back in 1996 as part of the band’s second studio album, (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?, the song has always had such cultural significance here in Manchester.
But after being adopted by the fans of the England men’s national football team during this World Cup, and belted out after every Three Lions victory this tournament, the song has taken on a whole new life.
Wonderwall was described at the time by the band’s lead guitarist and songwriter, Noel Gallagher, as being about ‘an imaginary friend who’s gonna come and save you from yourself’ – with the song’s title inspired by George Harrison’s solo album Wonderwall Music.
Sure, it has nothing to do with football (but neither did Sweet Caroline, let’s be real), but it’s an absolute anthem and one that’s become a symbol this year for the belief that football may have just been coming home after 60 years.
Win or lose, Wonderwall remains.
Unfortunately, while Wonderwall is in pole position as it stands, it’s up against some fierce footballing competition with the likes of Baddiel, Skinner & Lightning Seeds’ enduring anthem, Three Lions (Football’s Coming Home), hot on its heals.
Standing between both of them – and chart glory – is, of course, Sam Fender and Olivia Dean’s record-breaking duet, Rein Me In, which looks to retain the top spot as it eyes a 17th non-consecutive week at the summit.
It’s also expected that The Beatles’ iconic 1968 hit, Hey Jude, will also find its way into the Top 40 in honour of the tournament’s star player Jude Bellingham.
So, will Wonderwall reign supreme then? Will the Gallagher brothers have another reason to celebrate tonight after the success of last year’s historic Oasis Live ’25 reunion tour? We’ll have to wait and see.
You can tune into the Official Chart Show on BBC Radio 1 from 4pm today.
Danny Jones -
24th August 2023 
