Real Madrid reject surprise offer to sign Barcelona target on a free transfer | OneFootball

Real Madrid have decided against pursuing Bernardo Silva despite the Manchester City captain showing strong interest in making the move to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.

According to AS, the Portuguese playmaker is actively searching for a new challenge after Manchester City confirmed that his long spell at the club will come to an end following the conclusion of the season.

The departure closes one of the most successful chapters in modern Premier League history.

After nine years at Manchester City, Bernardo Silva leaves England as one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted and consistent players, having won multiple Premier League titles, domestic trophies, and the Champions League while becoming one of the key figures behind City’s dominance.

Offered to Real Madrid

Now, the midfielder wants to continue competing at the highest level and believes he still has both the physical condition and mentality required to perform for an elite club, an ambition that led him towards Real Madrid.

Real Madrid are not interested in Bernardo Silva. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

The report claims the Portuguese explored the possibility of joining Los Blancos for the 2026-27 season, with initial contact made to understand whether the Spanish giants would consider the operation.

However, despite the enormous respect within Real Madrid for Bernardo Silva’s technical quality and football intelligence, the Portuguese international is currently not considered part of Real Madrid’s future sporting plans.

The story, thus, seems unlikely to develop further for now.

Although Real Madrid admire the midfielder’s profile, they are prioritising younger long-term investments rather than experienced players entering the later stages of their careers. 

At 31 years old, Bernardo Silva does not fully fit the recruitment direction the club has increasingly followed in recent years.

Also a Barcelona target

Bernardo Silva is also on Barcelona’s radar. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Interestingly, the Portuguese midfielder has also been linked with Barcelona on several occasions over the last few years. 

Reports suggest he was again recently offered to Barça, although no serious operation has materialised there either because of financial limitations and shifting sporting priorities.

Notably, one key figure involved in these offerings is his agent Jorge Mendes, whose relationship with Real Madrid has improved significantly in recent years. 

That connection might have played an important role in presenting the possibility to the club.

Even so, Real Madrid have currently decided not to move forward.