Real Madrid signs Bernardo Silva from Manchester City until 2028

Career and record at Manchester City

At Manchester City, Silva is the second prominent departure after John Stones, who is also leaving the Skyblues at the age of 32. Coach Pep Guardiola thus loses a central figure of his midfield. City, currently second in the Premier League, had most recently presented Marc Guéhi as a new signing and must now fill the gap in the squad.

Squad overhaul at City and Real

Real Madrid, coached by Álvaro Arbeloa, is continuing to reshape its squad for the coming season with the transfer. After Marc Cucurella, who like Silva is currently with his national team at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the USA, the Portuguese is the second new signing of the Royals. The Madrid side's squad now comprises 29 players; the team's total market value is reported at 1.32 billion euros. In La Liga, Real currently sits in second place.

Atlético and Barcelona left out in the bidding

The backstory of the transfer is remarkable. The Spanish broadcaster "Cadena SER" reported a few days ago that Silva had also accepted a contract offer from Real's city rival Atlético – according to reports, only the signature was missing. The fact that he ultimately decided on Real Madrid is regarded by local media as a coup by the Royals in the city-wide competition for one of the most coveted midfielders in Europe.

According to Spanish media reports, Silva was also said to have been a topic at FC Barcelona. Since the Catalans are well stocked in midfield with Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Fermín López, or Dani Olmo, the disappointment over the move not coming to fruition was, according to local media, "überschaubar." Barcelona is reportedly focusing on other squad planning for the coming season.

With Silva's signing, Real Madrid's midfield gains further depth and creativity. The Portuguese, who received his footballing education in Portugal and found his way to England via stops in France and Monaco, is set to take on a key role in attack at the Royals. His Premier League experience is regarded as a valuable reinforcement for the Madrid side, who will be required in La Liga, the Champions League, and the Super Cup next season.

Silva himself has not publicly commented on his move so far. In the coming days, an official presentation at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu is expected as soon as his involvement at the World Cup with Portugal ends. Then, for the 31-year-old, born on August 10, 1994, a new chapter begins in one of the most successful careers in top-level European football.