Real Madrid could also threaten FC Barcelona’s attempt to sign Bernardo Silva on a free transfer this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo.
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Real Madrid could also threaten FC Barcelona’s attempt to sign Bernardo Silva on a free transfer this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo.
In the past week, we’ve seen reports of Julian Alvarez agreeing to join the Catalans on a five-year contract, though it is believed a $116 million (€100 million) offer will have to be improved to tempt Atletico Madrid into selling to a rival outfit.
Meanwhile, though, Madrid President Florentino Perez teased a $175 million (€150 million) bid he’d make on Tuesday if re-elected.
Now he’s beaten Enrique Riquelme at the polls, the identity of the mystery player is widely suspected to be Julian Alvarez, which of course puts them in direct competition with Barça.
FC Barcelona and Real Madrid could be set for battle over another player
After already landing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United in a €70 million deal which could rise to €80 million, another target for Barça is Bernardo Silva.
The Portuguese’s Manchester City contract expires on June 30, and Mundo Deportivo explains how he agreed to join the Blaugrana for two-years after failed attempts to buy him on Xavi Hernandez’s watch in 2022 and 2023.
Yet Silva has confused Barça by saying that they are “an option I have, but I haven’t made a decision yet”.
“I’m going to look for a team where they want me,” the 31-year-old added, after Portugal beat Chile 2-1 in Lisbon.
Atletico Madrid is another club that Silva has been linked to. But also lurking are Real Madrid, who are about to appoint Jose Mourinho as their new manager as announced by Perez on the campaign trail.
Mourinho sees an opportunity in the market because his compatriot is free, and Silva could boost a midfield that’s struggled to deal with the losses of club legends Luka Modric and Toni Kroos in recent times.
At the Bernabeu, there’s also the right wing spot which hasn’t been claimed by the likes of an injured Rodryo, or unflattering Franco Mastantuono who’s struggled to fit in since a high profile move from River Plate.
In the FC Barelona squad, Lamine Yamal has that flank locked down, and Silva would instead compete for the midfield roles. Yet anyone that is having doubts about playing for the club should be forgotten about, as the great Johan Cruyff once said.