10 hours ago
5
Free transfer
©TM/IMAGO
At times last season, Real Madrid was something of a circus. One of the most successful and probably the biggest football club in the world went trophy-less for a second consecutive season, as dressing room bust-ups stole the headlines. The experienced José Mourinho will return to the dugout next season and a veteran midfielder who is his countryman is now set to join him. Reports suggest that Real Madrid are advancing in talks to sign Bernardo Silva on a free transfer upon the expiry of his Manchester City contract at the end of the month.
Real Madrid’s La Liga rivals Barcelona and Atlético Madrid had previously also held talks over a move for the 31-year-old midfielder, but Los Blancos are now in pole position to sign Silva. The appointment of Mourinho is thought to have been a deciding factor. Since the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić, Madrid's midfield has lacked experience. In signing Silva, they are gaining a serial winner.
What Bernardo Silva can bring to Real Madrid?
As illustrated in the graphic above, Silva won as many as 19 trophies with Man City as he played a crucial role in the most successful period in the club's history. As a pure footballer, Silva brings incredible quality, able to manoeuvre in tight areas and beat players, play intricate passing and control the tempo of the game. However, it's his mentality that sometimes goes slightly unnoticed - he is a monster in that department. Silva has one of the highest win percentages of any Premier League player and that's no coincidence. Time and time again he helped drag the Sky Blues to victory.
Silva is also a player that stands up in the big occasions. He is only 31 years old and not being reliant on pace, still has a lot offer. He will be able to bring a calm presence to the Madrid's midfield and help their superstar attackers flourish. President Florentino Perez promised a 'Galactico' in his slightly PR driven speeches before his re-election, but the signing of Silva may be the smartest of them all.
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