Real Madrid new signing struggles for prominence after rejecting Barcelona over game-time promise | OneFootball

Bernardo Silva has slipped out of Jose Mourinho’s plans. The Portuguese midfielder has played just eight minutes across Real Madrid’s last two La Liga matches.

He was an unused substitute against Elche before coming on late against Atletico Madrid, where he provided the assist for Antonio Rüdiger’s goal.

Meanwhile, Barcelona, the club Bernardo came close to joining during the summer, are leading La Liga.

The 32-year-old was free to negotiate with any club after leaving Manchester City at the end of his contract.

Barcelona move collapsed over money and playing time

According to SPORT, Bernardo wanted to join Barcelona, but the financial expectations surrounding a potential deal and his desire to be a guaranteed starter ultimately prevented an agreement.

Bernardo rejected Barcelona for Real Madrid. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Hansi Flick could not promise him a regular starting role given the competition for places in Barcelona’s midfield.

Bernardo also attracted interest from Atletico Madrid, but ultimately chose to join Real Madrid.

Only three starts in his last five league matches

Bernardo began the season as a starter in Real Madrid’s opening two La Liga fixtures against Espanyol and Real Sociedad.

His involvement has since declined considerably. He has started only one of Real Madrid’s last five league matches, against Rayo Vallecano in a 4-1 victory.

He was also unavailable for the Champions League victory over Inter Milan because of suspension.

Across the Merengues’ last two league fixtures, Bernardo has managed only eight minutes, highlighting his reduced role just before the international break.

Mourinho prefers Valverde and Tchouameni

Despite some questions surrounding Real Madrid’s control and midfield performances, Mourinho has largely settled on Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni as his preferred double pivot.

Valverde has started every match this season, making him a constant presence in Mourinho’s XI.

Struggling for minutes. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)

Tchouameni has also become increasingly important since fully recovering from his injury. He has started Madrid’s last two matches and will remain in Spain during the current three-week international break after not being included in France’s squad.

Bernardo, by contrast, has been pushed down the pecking order. The Portuguese has yet to establish himself in Mourinho’s system, either on the right side or in the double pivot.

His situation is particularly notable given that regular playing time was one of the factors surrounding his decision to join Madrid rather than Barcelona.

For now, Bernardo faces the task of finding a regular role in Mourinho’s plans after making the move to Real Madrid with the expectation of being a more prominent part of the starting XI.