Which Manchester City midfielder was released in the 2026 summer window?

Bernardo Silva was the Manchester City midfielder released at the end of the 2026 summer window.

Silva joined Manchester City from Monaco in July 2017 and became one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted players. Although naturally a midfielder, he was also regularly used as an attacking midfielder or wide player because of his close control, pressing, mobility and ability to play between the lines.

He won major honours with City, including multiple Premier League titles, the 2023 Champions League and domestic cups. Silva also became Manchester City captain for the 2025–26 season after Kevin De Bruyne’s departure. City confirmed that Silva would leave when his contract expired at the end of the season.

“Released” here means departing as a contract expiry or free agent, not being dismissed during the season. That distinction separates Silva from the other listed City players: Mateo Kovačić, Phil Foden and Rodri were not the midfielder identified in this question.