Bernardo Silva is approaching the end of his contract at Manchester City. And Real Madrid is paying attention.

The Portuguese international will become a free agent in summer 2026 when his current deal expires. His agent, Jorge Mendes, has already approached Real Madrid about a potential move, though the club has stopped short of committing to any pursuit.

What we know so far

Mendes reportedly offered Silva to both Real Madrid and Barcelona in April 2026.

Real Madrid’s current stance is that Silva is not part of their immediate plans.

Silva is reportedly seeking a gross annual salary of around €20 million. For a 31-year-old midfielder on a free transfer, that’s a significant wage commitment, but it’s also a fraction of what a comparable player would cost in transfer fees alone.

Adding another layer to the situation, José Mourinho has reportedly encouraged Real Madrid to make an offer for Silva.

The competition is real

Real Madrid isn’t the only club circling. Both Barcelona and Atlético Madrid have been linked to Silva, creating a scenario where all three of Spain’s biggest clubs could be vying for the same player on a free transfer.

Why this matters for Real Madrid’s rebuild

Real Madrid has been evaluating the possibility of signing Silva amid squad rebuilding efforts, but no final decision has been made. Silva offers immediate quality with zero transfer fee. He’s been a central figure in Manchester City’s dominance of English football, winning multiple Premier League titles.

On the other hand, a €20 million annual salary for a player who will be 32 by the time he arrives is a multi-year commitment that could limit flexibility elsewhere.