Transfer shock : Mourinho throws Bernardo Silva deal into chaos

Transfer hunt: Mourinho makes Bernardo Silva his top target, with Barca left guessing

Jose Mourinho has blown the Bernardo Silva race wide open. According to AS, the new Real Madrid boss has put the Portuguese midfielder at the top of his summer transfer list, disrupting talks that had appeared to be moving along nicely with Barcelona. The 31-year-old, now out of contract after nine hugely successful seasons at Manchester City, has reportedly paused talks with the Catalans and Atletico Madrid after getting direct assurances from his fellow countryman Mourinho. It is a late twist that has completely changed the picture in the race for his signature.

Silva himself added to the uncertainty in the mixed zone after Portugal’s game against Chile. “I haven’t made a decision yet. I want to join a club that wants me, a club where I feel I can be important. Barcelona is an option, but I still haven’t decided.” Careful words, and they suggest nothing is done despite the steady chatter about an agreement with Barca. Florentino Perez and the Madrid hierarchy are ready to spend to bring the Portuguese to the capital now Mourinho is in place.

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Let’s do it

Mendes keeps the suspense alive, with a decision after the World Cup

Behind the scenes, Jorge Mendes is pulling the strings in his usual way. Two months ago, the agent put forward a package that included Mourinho and Silva at Real Madrid, a proposal that was initially parked before the Special One’s arrival was confirmed in May. Mendes has told Fabrizio Romano that the talks will drag on all summer. “Bernardo will make his decision after the World Cup.” In other words, keep every option open and let the market do the rest.

For Mourinho, Silva is the perfect fit: experienced, versatile, a dressing-room leader and capable of adapting to different systems. The Special One wants someone who can stand for more than just quality on the ball. Silva, for his part, wants a key role in an ambitious project. Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico all have plenty to offer. The final call will come after the World Cup, and this will be one of the summer’s biggest stories.

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