Man City news: Mourinho wants Bernardo Silva — can he hijack Barcelona move?

The race to sign Bernardo Silva continues to shake the transfer market. In addition to Barcelona, Juventus and Atletico Madrid, the midfielder has also appeared on Real Madrid‘s radar.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, Silva has become one of Jose Mourinho's priority targets, and once the Portuguese is officially announced as Real Madrid manager, the entire landscape surrounding the player's future could shift dramatically.

The same outlet reports that shortly after Silva's decision to leave Manchester City, the 31-year-old was offered to Real Madrid. However, the proposal was rejected by the club's hierarchy and coaching staff at the time, when Mourinho was not yet in the picture.

The chaotic tenure of Alvaro Arbeloa — who lasted just four months as manager — and his subsequent dismissal changed everything. With Mourinho now set to take charge, Silva's name has been added to Real Madrid's list of potential reinforcements.

Negotiations paused as Real Madrid enter the frame

According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Silva's agent Jorge Mendes had been analysing proposals from several clubs, with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid making the most concerted efforts in recent weeks to secure the midfielder's signature.

Until recently, despite Juventus expressing interest, the battle for Silva's services appeared to be a two-horse race between the Spanish rivals, who are also competing for Julian Alvarez. However, A Bola reports that the possibility of Real Madrid entering the race — driven by Mourinho — prompted Silva and his agent to pause negotiations with both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

Despite the new competitor, the Portuguese outlet notes that Barcelona remain optimistic that the midfielder will ultimately join the Camp Nou project, although no final decision has been taken.

Mourinho's vision for Real Madrid's rebuild

With Mourinho expected to be confirmed as Real Madrid manager imminently, the plan is for a significant squad overhaul ahead of next season, with new signings aligned to the Portuguese's preferred profile.

According to AS, after listening to accounts of dressing-room incidents and analysing every match from the closing stages of the campaign, Mourinho reached clear conclusions on which positions need strengthening and, crucially, what type of player he requires.

The manager made his position clear: the club do not need more marquee names. Instead, they need players who are hungry for success, willing to run and fight for the result, without allowing ego to interfere.

To that end, Mourinho has outlined his desired positions: one or two centre-backs, a right-back, a left-back and two midfielders — one as a creative playmaker and the other as a holding midfielder. For the centre-back position, the requirement is for an experienced, top-level defender, which is why Ibrahima Konate, leaving Liverpool as a free agent, has been floated as a potential first signing.

Bernardo Silva, with his extraordinary work rate, tactical intelligence and versatility, fits Mourinho's “no ego, all fight” philosophy almost perfectly — which is precisely why Real Madrid's interest could prove decisive in a saga that looked to be heading firmly in Barcelona's direction.