Mourinho will build his Real Madrid midfield around new signing after Rodri snub | OneFootball

Despite seeming to be on his way to Real Madrid, Manchester City midfield general Rodri has chosen FC Barcelona.

After around ten days of meetings, discussions and direct conversations with the player, Real Madrid accepted his choice without drama.

Rodri informed the club of his decision earlier this week and, from that moment on, Real Madrid reverted to the original plan drawn up with Jose Mourinho.

At the heart of that plan is one player in particular: Bernardo Silva, reports Jose Felix Diaz of AS.

Mourinho’s midfield solution

Although naturally an attacking midfielder or right-sided playmaker, Mourinho believes Bernardo Silva has the qualities to operate in a deeper midfield role.

The Portuguese international combines defensive work rate with excellent vision and composure in possession, qualities he has demonstrated on several occasions throughout his career.

Central to Mourinho’s plans. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)

While he is not a specialist holding midfielder, Mourinho is convinced he can help shape Real Madrid’s build-up play alongside Aurelien Tchouameni.

Rodri’s rejection changes the plan

Rodri’s decision to prioritise Barcelona forced Real Madrid to rethink their strategy.

Rather than immediately searching for another marquee signing, the Merengues now believe Bernardo’s arrival provides enough depth and quality in central midfield, at least compared to last season.

That does not mean the transfer market is completely closed.

Real Madrid still monitoring the market

With more than three weeks remaining before the window shuts, Real Madrid will continue monitoring potential opportunities.

However, the idea of Bernardo operating from a deeper position was already under discussion before pre-season even began, making Rodri’s rejection less disruptive than it might otherwise have been.

Rodri has decided to join Barcelona. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)

Within the club there is also an acknowledgement that there is no player quite like Rodri on the market.

If another midfielder is signed, it would likely be someone capable of organising play in a different way rather than a direct replacement.

For the time being, though, Bernardo is expected to become Mourinho’s solution in midfield.

The Portuguese believes the former Manchester City star has the intelligence, technical quality and tactical discipline to help orchestrate Real Madrid’s build-up play from deeper areas.

As such, he is expected to form the foundation of the team’s midfield alongside Tchouaméni while the club continues to keep an eye on the market.