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Real Madrid are moving swiftly to assemble a squad they believe can dethrone consecutive La Liga champions Barcelona.
Returning boss José Mourinho has reportedly placed significant emphasis on shoring up the defense during the summer transfer window as he looks to restore Los Blancos to glory. The club are consequently finalizing deals for Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries, while also seeking to add greater competition for left back Álvaro Carreras.
Despite their rumored pursuit of Julián Álvarez, Madrid already possess all the attacking talent they require. Mourinho's challenge, much like the one Carlo Ancelotti faced before Kylian Mbappé's arrival, is striking the right balance. A creative midfielder is high on Mourinho's agenda, and Madrid appear set to hand their new manager not just a technically gifted player, but one prepared to put in the hard yards for their prolific forwards.
The signing of Bernardo Silva could prove transformative for Mourinho's Madrid, with Pep Guardiola's most dependable lieutenant seemingly having several productive years remaining at the elite level, particularly now that he's free from the physical demands of the Premier League.
Here's how Mourinho could line up with Bernardo in his Real Madrid side.
Bernardo Silva in Real Madrid's Midfield Pivot
Reports indicate that Florentino Pérez will not pursue the Portuguese's former Manchester City teammate Rodri this summer. In the later stages of his time with the Citizens, Bernardo — once a dazzling right-winger — operated alongside the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner in the center of midfield.
Guardiola trusted him to get on the ball as frequently as possible to dictate the tempo of matches, shouldering enormous responsibility in the build-up phase. Guardiola's guidance certainly helped Bernardo thrive in dangerous areas of the pitch, but the 31-year-old is also remarkably resistant to pressing and capable of finding solutions quickly under pressure.
While Aurélien Tchouaméni enjoyed a strong 2025–26 season, Madrid have yet to truly replace either Toni Kroos or Luka Modrić. Bernardo can offer what those legends provided in possession — albeit without the same passing range. He'll give Madrid a greater capacity to control games on the ball, and Tchouaméni stands to benefit enormously from having him alongside him.
Federico Valverde will undoubtedly have a significant role under Mourinho as well, though he could function as a box-to-box runner on the right side.
Bernardo Silva As Real Madrid's No. 10
Mourinho has typically favored a 4-2-3-1 throughout his managerial tenure, which at times transitions into an asymmetric attacking shape that allows one fullback to push forward while the other tucks in to form a back three.
The returning manager's preferred system won't become apparent until preseason at the earliest, but should he stick with the 4-2-3-1 — which appears likely — there is naturally room for a No. 10.
Several playmakers have flourished under Mourinho's guidance, from Wesley Sneijder to Dele Alli (however briefly). He grants considerable freedom to his primary creator, a role that could belong to Bernardo Silva.
The Portuguese has developed into more of a controlling presence, but as noted, the qualities of his earlier years haven't disappeared. He remains silky and effective in tight spaces and can combine brilliantly in the final third. Mourinho will value Bernardo in advanced positions because of the defensive work he contributes when out of possession.
However, Jude Bellingham is the man he would need to displace. Bellingham has all the hallmarks of a classic Mourinho No. 10, and the Englishman will be highly motivated next season after enduring an injury-hampered campaign.
Bernardo Silva Playing Out Wide
It was from a wide right position that Bernardo — and City as a unit — tormented Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League semifinal in 2023. His deployment out wide became less frequent as his City career developed, though there were moments when Guardiola felt it was the right call.
Bernardo isn't blessed with blistering pace, but he is exceptionally clever in one-on-one duels and will outwit defenders who are too aggressive in their approach.
The 31-year-old was once an electrifying wide player capable of getting supporters out of their seats. That is no longer his primary identity, and Mourinho would only consider using Bernardo in this role if he had concerns about an opponent's left flank. Bernardo could offer Trent Alexander-Arnold cover on big European nights by tirelessly tracking up and down the wing.
SI answers is our AI answer engine trained on human-created content.
You sense those two could forge a harmonious partnership both on and off the ball, with Bernardo's feet-oriented style complementing the runners throughout Madrid's attack.