Bernardo Silva agrees in principle deal to join European giants in stunning transfer hijack

Real Madrid have agreed in principle a deal to sign Bernardo Silva on a free transfer, talkSPORT understands.

The 31-year-old’s Manchester City exit was confirmed in April – bringing an end to nine trophy-laden seasons at the Etihad Stadium.

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Having arrived in 2017 from Monaco, Silva helped the Citizens scoop 20 titles.

A key player under Pep Guardiola, whose own exit was revealed in May, midfielder Silva chipped in with a staggering 76 goals and 75 assists from 460 games across all competitions.

An ever-present figure, the 2025/26 season proved to be the first time that the 109-cap Portugal international featured in all 38 Premier League fixtures.

And he made sure his last campaign in England proved to be a memorable one, as he captained his side to FA Cup and Carabao Cup glory.

But a new journey awaits Silva, with a host of top teams across the continent all scrambling to secure his services.

Silva surfer

It had been thought that Silva was prioritising a move to LaLiga champions Barcelona.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid have also been determined to sign the Benfica academy graduate.

Juventus have also been in the race, with talkSPORT reporting in April how they were looking to steal a march on their rivals by advancing in negotiations.

But he is now set to move to the Bernabeu after Real sent an official proposal to sign him.

The deal is now in the final stages of being finalised after Los Blancos moved swiftly to fend off competition – with boss Jose Mourinho spearheading the move.

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Silva’s compatriot Mourinho is was unveiled as Alvaro Arbeloa’s successor at Real on Thursday – 13 years after he left to take charge of Chelsea.

Joining Silva at the Bernabeu this summer could be Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries.

The six-time Premier League champion, who has twice been named in the PFA Team of the Year [2019 and 2022], was named as City captain last summer.

He took the armband following the departures of Kyle Walker and Kevin De Bruyne.

Silva has faced City exit rumours since 2023, with Saudi side Al Hilal making him an offer worth around £500,000-per-week, with a sign-on fee of over £2million.

He was again linked with a move to the Middle East last summer, but he made it clear he was not prepared to leave Man City a year out from the 2026 World Cup.

Saudi dealmakers yet again tried in vain to sign him this year, with Al Ittihad making an enquiry on the player’s side.

Despite Silva seemingly set on a switch to Spain, his sole focus will be looking to help fire Portugal to a first World Cup crown.

Portugal kick off their campaign against DR Congo on June 17, before battling Uzbekistan and Colombia in their final Group K clashes.