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Jose Mourinho, soon to take charge at Real Madrid, has shaken up the transfer battle for Bernardo Silva, making the Portuguese midfielder his leading target for the summer. Reports suggest that Silva, who is a free agent after leaving Manchester City, has paused his advanced negotiations with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid following direct communication from his fellow countryman. This development has significantly changed the dynamics of La Liga’s transfer window.

Mourinho disrupts midfield transfer plans in Spain

As reported by AS, the former Manchester United and Chelsea boss has placed Silva at the top of his transfer list for the Santiago Bernabeu. The 31-year-old creative midfielder, who enjoyed nine trophy-laden years with Manchester City, had been in serious discussions with Barcelona. The Catalan giants have pursued Silva for several seasons, with rumours of a potential move resurfacing regularly.

However, following Real Madrid’s recent presidential elections and Mourinho’s confirmed arrival, club president Florentino Perez and his team have approved a substantial financial backing to secure the veteran playmaker’s signature.

Silva seeks key role in ambitious project

Silva’s professionalism and technical brilliance make him a player Mourinho is eager to integrate into his squad. For his part, Silva is determined to join a club that values his experience and offers him a central role both on and off the field. Speaking after Portugal’s international match against Chile, the midfielder dismissed suggestions that he had already agreed a deal with Barcelona.

“I haven’t made a decision yet. I want to be at a club that wants me, that’s for sure,” Silva stated. “A club where I feel I will be useful. Is it a dream? I’m not going to answer that because I don’t know where I’ll end up. [Barcelona] is an option I have, but I haven’t made that decision yet. We don’t know what will happen.”

Jorge Mendes manages high-stakes negotiations

The report also reveals that Jorge Mendes, Silva’s agent, had earlier offered both Mourinho and Silva to Real Madrid as a joint proposal two months ago. Although the idea was initially put on hold, the board revisited and approved it once Mourinho’s appointment was confirmed in May.

Real Madrid view Silva’s leadership and team-oriented approach as invaluable to their dressing room culture, but the final outcome of the transfer remains uncertain. Mendes confirmed that discussions will continue throughout the summer, telling transfer expert Fabrizio Romano: “Bernardo will decide after the World Cup.”

World Cup campaign delays transfer conclusion

The focus now shifts to North America, where Silva – the former Manchester City captain – is preparing for Portugal’s World Cup campaign. Barcelona find themselves in an awkward position, forced to wait until after the tournament while Real Madrid’s renewed pursuit has eroded their earlier advantage. Silva is expected to use the World Cup stage to stay in top form before finalising his club future ahead of the 2026-27 pre-season.