Real Madrid are advancing in talks to sign Bernardo Silva.Madrid’s La Liga rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid had previously held talks over a move for the 31-year-old midfielder, who is a free agent following his departure from Manchester City.Neither Barcelona nor Atletico are planning to improve their existing proposals to the 107-time Portugal international, who Madrid are now in pole position to sign.Jose Mourinho, whose return to Madrid as head coach was confirmed on Thursday, is seen as a key factor in Silva’s decision.The Athletic reported the club are actively pursuing deals to sign Ibrahima Konate, who has left Liverpool following the expiration of his contract, and Inter full-back Denzel Dumfries.Konate and Silva would continue Madrid’s recent transfer policy of pursuing deals for free agents. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba were all signed by the Spanish club upon the expiration of their contracts at their previous clubs.
Madrid’s discussions with Mourinho and his representatives included plans to strengthen various positions this summer, with a particular focus on defence.In those talks, Mourinho asked for a backup right-back, a left-back to compete with Alvaro Carreras, a dominant centre-back and a creative midfielder, with Silva potentially fulfilling the latter requirement. Further additions are expected this summer.Silva, who is in Portugal’s squad for this summer’s World Cup, ended a trophy-laden nine-year spell at City this summer.He made 460 appearances for City, whom he joined from Monaco in the summer of 2017, and won six Premier League titles, three FA Cup trophies, and the Carabao Cup five times, along with the 2022-23 Champions League.Jun 11, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms
