Real Madrid-bound superstar was one step away from joining Atlético Madrid | OneFootball

Bernardo Silva’s expected move to Real Madrid has come at the expense of one of the club’s fiercest rivals.

According to a major update from Cadena SER, the Portuguese midfielder was on the verge of becoming an Atletico Madrid player before dramatically changing course and opening negotiations with Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid instead.

The revelation adds a fascinating chapter to one of the summer’s most surprising transfer sagas. 

What initially looked like a simple move to Atletico has now evolved into a transfer that will see one of Europe’s most experienced midfielders arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu on a free transfer.

With Bernardo Silva available after the expiration of his Manchester City contract, several clubs, including Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, explored the possibility of signing him. 

Atletico Madrid were close to signing Bernardo Silva. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

However, it now appears that Real Madrid have emerged as the overwhelming favourites to secure his signature.

Atletico Madrid believed the deal was done

For much of the process, Atletico Madrid felt confident they had won the race.

Cadena SER claims that negotiations between the Spanish club and the player’s camp had progressed to an advanced stage, with all parties reaching an understanding regarding the proposed move.

The report suggests that the operation was so close that formalities were already being prepared, as the player was expected to sign for the Rojiblancos on Thursday, June 11.

In fact, Atletico even planned to use a specific window of opportunity during the player’s international commitments to finalise the agreement.

Bernardo Silva will play for Real Madrid. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

“Everything had been agreed,” said Pedro Fullana on SER.

“The contracts had already been accepted by all parties and they even wanted to use Thursday morning to sign the deal, as it was the only time the Portuguese national team had given the midfielder the day off, but the player has finally turned down Atletico’s offer because he wants to join Mourinho at Real Madrid.”

Mourinho’s influence changed everything

While financial considerations are always important in transfers, this situation appears to have been heavily influenced by sporting factors.

Notably, Bernardo ultimately decided that working under Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid represented the more attractive project. 

The opportunity to join Los Blancos and become part of Mourinho’s rebuilding plans appears to have altered the midfielder’s thinking at the final moment.