Barcelona had one major reason for ignoring the chance to sign Real Madrid-bound midfielder | OneFootball

Barcelona’s pursuit of Bernardo Silva has been going on for a few weeks now, with the Portuguese midfielder now a free agent after leaving Manchester City.

Bernardo had been one of the names under consideration as Barcelona explored ways to strengthen the squad for Hansi Flick.

The Portuguese international was viewed as an attractive market opportunity due to his experience at the highest level, his versatility and his technical quality.

Now, according to El Chiringuito’s Jose Alvarez Haya, Barcelona reached an agreement with Bernardo Silva three weeks ago.

The understanding was based on the player waiting until July, as the club focused on wrapping up other priority sales and signings.

However, the situation has changed significantly since. Bernardo has now received an offer almost three times what Barcelona were prepared to pay him.

He has also been offered a significant role from a playing perspective. As a result, the Portuguese midfielder has changed his stance.

Barcelona refuse to change their approach

Bernardo Silva will sign for Real Madrid. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Real Madrid have secured Bernardo’s signature right now. With Jose Mourinho announced by Los Blancos as well, it is said that the Portuguese manager insisted on signing his compatriot.

What stands out from a Barcelona perspective is the club’s reaction. Rather than increasing their offer and entering a bidding war, they have stayed firm.

The Catalans already have a number of options in the squad who can play in the same position as Bernardo and are not prepared to distort the wage structure for a player who will be a luxury rather than a necessity.

In previous years, Barcelona may have been tempted to stretch their finances to secure a high-profile name.

However, it does look like the current board have learnt from the mistakes of the past and decided not to go down that route again.

Barcelona’s priorities lie elsewhere

Haya also suggests that Bernardo was never considered a top priority internally.

Barcelona were in talks with Bernardo Silva. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

While the midfielder’s quality has never been questioned, Barcelona’s attention is currently focused on other areas of the squad.

The simple fact is that, for a club like Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid, the 31-year-old would be a ceiling-raiser.

On the other hand, considering Barca’s midfield riches, he would have been a floor-raiser in this squad.

If the player has chosen to pursue a more lucrative offer elsewhere, Barcelona seem comfortable with that outcome.

This is the kind of approach Barcelona need, especially in a summer when the noose around their finances seems to have loosened a little.

Being pragmatic in the transfer market can go a long way in helping the club build a sustainable long-term sporting project under Hansi Flick.