Real Madrid reshape midfield plans with Bernardo Silva in Mourinho’s sights

Real Madrid have returned to a plan centred on Bernardo Silva after Rodri rejected a move to the Spanish club in favour of joining Barcelona, according to a report in Spain.

The report by AS says Jose Mourinho identified Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva as his preferred alternative for the central midfield role. Silva is naturally inclined to start from the right and move towards the opposition penalty area, but Real Madrid believe he can also provide defensive discipline and help organise play.

Rodri’s decision was described as a personal choice, with no unusual circumstances surrounding the proposed transfer. Real Madrid accepted the midfielder’s position after 10 days of meetings, communications and a direct meeting with the player.

The rejection came at the start of this week, prompting the club to revive the original plan developed with Mourinho. That approach involved reviewing the existing squad and possible reinforcements, with Bernardo Silva placed at the top of the manager’s list.

Silva was reportedly the first name discussed during the initial conversations between Real Madrid officials and Mourinho. Although he is not a specialist defensive midfielder and does not possess the same qualities as Rodri, he has played in that area of the pitch before.

Mourinho believes Silva could work alongside Aurelien Tchouameni to provide Real Madrid with a platform from which to build their play. The Portugal international has demonstrated at different stages of his career that he is capable of making defensive sacrifices while also offering clarity in possession.

The club’s interest in Silva does not mean Real Madrid will stop monitoring the transfer market. More than three weeks remain before the window closes and further developments are expected in both directions.

However, the idea of giving Silva a deeper role and allowing him to influence the game from a more withdrawn position had already been considered before the squad began its work. With a potential arrival from Manchester City at Mourinho’s explicit request, Real Madrid believe their central midfield could be adequately covered, or at least better supplied with options than it was last season.

Club officials also recognise that there is no player on the market who offers exactly the same profile as Rodri. Nevertheless, they believe another midfielder could emerge who is able to organise the team’s play, even if that player would bring different characteristics.

Real Madrid have monitored several younger alternatives in recent months. They include 22-year-old Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, 20-year-old AZ Alkmaar player Kees Smit and 18-year-old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.

All three remain on the club’s radar, although none is considered an absolute priority at this stage. For now, the report states, Bernardo Silva is the player expected to take responsibility for operating in the engine room of the Real Madrid midfield.