Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Real Madrid are in advanced negotiations to sign Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva as a free agent in June 2026.
This development marks a potential major acquisition for the Spanish capital club as they look to bolster their squad.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Real Madrid are in "advanced talks" to sign Silva, with the club reportedly accepting the Portuguese international's terms.
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If all goes according to plan, Silva is expected to be a Real Madrid player for the next two seasons.
This move comes after Silva ended his illustrious nine-year career at the Etihad Stadium with Manchester City, with his contract expiring in the summer of 2026.
🚨 Bernardo Silva to Real Madrid, HERE WE GO! Agreement in place and contract approved.Two year deal plus one year option, fast deal by Madrid started 36h ago and closed immediately.Mourinho wanted Bernardo, he says yes and advanced talks revealed today are 100% confirmed. pic.twitter.com/2qYSHutAfX
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 11, 2026
Jose Mourinho's Role and the Club's Transfer Strategy
Real Madrid's new head coach, Jose Mourinho, is reportedly the main driving force behind the pursuit of Bernardo Silva.
Mourinho, also from Portugal, sees Silva as a crucial figure who can bring quality and leadership to his squad.
Previously, Real Madrid had turned down the opportunity to sign Silva.
However, the situation changed dramatically with Mourinho's return as manager, who actively pushed for the midfielder's acquisition.
Under the leadership of President Florentino Perez and Mourinho, Real Madrid has been active in the free agent market this summer.
The club is aiming for a title push after two seasons without a major trophy, and Silva's signing would be their second free agent acquisition this season, following Ibrahima Konate.
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Career Path and Fierce Competition
Thank you @ManCity 💙 pic.twitter.com/yznSiqxiPp
— Bernardo Silva (@BernardoCSilva) April 16, 2026
Bernardo Silva's decision to leave Manchester City was announced by assistant manager Pep Lijnders on April 5, 2026, and confirmed on April 16 that he would depart at the end of the season.
Silva leaves the club as a free agent after a lengthy spell.
Before Real Madrid's intense pursuit, Barcelona was considered the leading candidate for Silva's signature, as reported by ESPN.
In fact, the Catalan club was reported to have reached an agreement in principle with Silva, who was willing to accept a pay cut in exchange for a move to Camp Nou.
This dramatic turnaround in the transfer saga surprised many who had previously believed Silva would end up at Barcelona.
Furthermore, Atletico Madrid and Juventus had also been linked with the attacking midfielder.
Silva himself had stated that he would make a decision on his future after Portugal's World Cup campaign ended, with a desire to join a team "where they really love him."
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