Real Madrid officially announced the signing of midfielder Bernardo Silva on a two-year contract running until June 30, 2028, on June 17, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]. Silva, 31, joins after nine seasons with Manchester City where he made 459 to 460 appearances and scored 76 goals [2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 6, 7]. The Portuguese international left City following the expiry of his contract at the end of the 2025-26 season [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 6, 7, 8].
During his time at Manchester City, Silva won 15 major trophies including six Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League triumph [2, 3, 5, 9, 7, 8]. The club thanked him, saying he "played a major part in our greatest sustained period of success" and wished him luck in Spain [3]. Silva has also featured over 110 times for Portugal and appeared in at least three World Cups including the ongoing 2026 tournament [2, 9, 8].
Real Madrid finished the 2025-26 season trophyless after missing out on the La Liga title and exiting the Champions League in the quarter-finals [1, 2, 4]. The club has been active in the transfer market, appointing Jose Mourinho as head coach in early June 2026 [3, 5, 6, 7] and signing Spanish left back Marc Cucurella from Chelsea for a reported €52-55 million on June 15 [1, 3, 5, 9, 6, 7]. Antonio Rudiger also extended his contract until 2027 [1, 9, 6].
Beyond Silva and Cucurella, Real Madrid have been linked with Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate and Inter Milan's Denzel Dumfries, and submitted a €150 million offer for Atlético Madrid's Julián Álvarez, which was rejected on June 17 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 6, 7]. Silva’s signing ended interest from rivals including Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, Benfica, and clubs from Saudi Arabia and MLS [1, 6].
Real Madrid’s president Florentino Perez confirmed the bid for Álvarez was turned down as the club continues to strengthen ahead of the new season [6]. Silva joins a squad aiming to return to the top in Spain and Europe, with the club statement declaring the agreement ensures he "will be a Real Madrid player for the next two seasons, until June 30, 2028" [2].
