CORNERFLICK
Real Madrid have completed the signing of Bernardo Silva on a free transfer, with the Portugal midfielder agreeing a two-year contract.
The 31-year-old leaves Manchester City after nine seasons and moves to Spain for a new challenge. Reports close to Real say José Mourinho’s return to the club was one of the factors behind Silva’s decision.
Madrid had been in talks with the player for several days and eventually beat rival interest from elsewhere in La Liga. Barcelona and Atlético Madrid had both considered a move, but did not follow up with new offers once Real’s bid advanced.
Silva joined City from Monaco in 2017 and became a key figure under Pep Guardiola. He made 460 appearances and helped the club win six Premier League titles.
He was also part of City’s 2022-23 treble-winning side, which lifted the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League. In his final season at the club, he wore the captain’s armband after Kyle Walker’s departure and played in all 38 league matches. Silva is currently with Portugal at the 2026 World Cup.