Real Madrid have confirmed the open secret that Bernardo Silva will be joining the club on a free transfer from Manchester City this summer. The 32-year-old was out of contract, and Los Blancos moved swiftly to bring him in despite interest from rivals Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.
Both were in talks with Silva over a move, but the Portugal international had doubts about his role at Barcelona, and was on the verge of signing a deal with Atletico. Cadena SER have claimed that Silva was scheduled to put pen to paper on a deal on the morning of the 12th of June, when agent Jorge Mendes halted proceedings.
Real Madrid hijacked Atletico Madrid move
Image via Lewis Storey/Getty Images
After a meeting between Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid three days earlier, the new manager requested that Los Blancos make an effort to sign Silva. Within 36 hours, Real Madrid had gone from opening talks with Mendes, to securing an agreement with Silva for him to pen a two-year deal.
Real Madrid announce Bernardo Silva signing
Image via Real Madrid CF
Eight days later, Real Madrid have announced an agreement with Silva on a deal running until 2028. They put out the following statement on Wednesday, hours before he makes his World Cup debut with Portugal against DR Congo.
Real Madrid C. F. and Bernardo Silva have reached an agreement for him to become a Real Madrid player for the next two seasons, until June 30, 2028.
On Monday, Marc Cucurella was announced as the first signing from Chelsea, in a deal that could rise to €60m. Although they have not been officially announced, President Florentino Perez has publicly confirmed that Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries will also be joining the club from Liverpool and Inter respectively. Konate also arrives on a free, while Los Blancos will activate a €20m release clause for Dumfries.
