Jose Mourinho chooses the next Real Madrid player to sign after agreeing on Bernardo Silva deal
Jose Mourinho has made up his mind about his next signing to help rebuild Real Madrid, agreeing a deal to bring in former Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva.
Mourinho’s return to Real was confirmed after Florentino Perez was re-elected as the club’s president, beating Enrique Riquelme’s challenge. Following a tough, trophyless season where both Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa left their posts, Real quickly started making changes for the new season.
With Mourinho’s support, Real activated the release clause for Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries and signed Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate after his contract ended. Next, they moved on a free agent again—Silva has reportedly agreed in principle to join Real Madrid, according to Fabrizio Romano.
MARCA says Mourinho personally asked for Silva, who was also talking with Atletico Madrid. Meanwhile, The Athletic reports Real wants more midfielders but faced rejections from Paris Saint-Germain for both Vitinha and Joao Neves. Another player under consideration is Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez.
The Argentina midfielder, who moved to Chelsea in a record £105 million transfer from Benfica in 2023, is also linked with Manchester City, especially with Enzo Maresca likely to take charge there. In March, Fernandez expressed interest in joining Madrid during an interview and was punished with a two-game suspension.
Chelsea’s loss to Sunderland on the last day of the season was seen as Fernandez’s final game for the club. Former Chelsea player Emmanuel Petit believes the club should let him go. “Enzo Fernandez should leave; you can’t keep a player happy if he wants out,” Petit told Goal. “He admitted he wanted to leave and was fined for it. He’s been one of Chelsea’s best players the last two years, but as captain, that kind of communication isn’t good. It’s clear he’s had enough with Chelsea’s situation this season. Real Madrid really needs strong midfielders, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he moves there or somewhere else.”
West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes is another name Real is interested in, competing with Manchester United to sign the former Southampton player.
Mourinho, who previously managed Real from 2010 to 2013, will officially start his second spell on July 13 when pre-season kicks off. He leaves Benfica after less than a year, with the club set to receive £13 million in compensation.