Mourinho targets free-agent Bernardo Silva as first Real Madrid signing on his return

Real Madrid are in advanced talks to sign Bernardo Silva on a free transfer, with the club confident of completing a deal for the former Manchester City midfielder, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported on Thursday. The move comes just hours after José Mourinho’s return to the Bernabéu was officially confirmed, with the Portuguese manager set to begin work on 13 July.

Romano described the pursuit as a surprise development, stating that an official contract offer has already been placed in Bernardo’s hands and that Madrid are now ahead of all rival clubs in the race for his signature. Barcelona had been linked with the player but have, according to Romano, “nothing advanced or concrete”, while Atlético Madrid have also been credited with interest.

Bernardo, 30, left City at the end of his contract this summer after nine years at the club. During that time he accumulated six Premier League titles, three FA Cups and a Champions League winners’ medal, scoring 76 goals across 460 appearances in all competitions.

Mourinho’s reappointment at Madrid was a pledge made by president Florentino Pérez during his successful re-election campaign — one he has now delivered on. Rather than mark his return with a formal unveiling ceremony or press conference, Mourinho is said to have opted to begin work immediately, with summer recruitment a central priority.

If completed, the signing would bring a proven winner with elite-level experience into a Madrid squad that has gone two consecutive seasons without claiming La Liga.