Bernardo Silva’s Real Madrid role shrinks after Barcelona move falls through

Bernardo Silva’s decision to join Real Madrid instead of Barcelona has left the Portugal midfielder struggling for regular playing time under Jose Mourinho.

The 32-year-old has played only eight minutes in Real Madrid’s past two La Liga matches. He was an unused substitute against Elche before being introduced late in the 2-1 derby defeat by Atletico Madrid, when he provided the assist for Antonio Rudiger’s only goal for Madrid.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Silva’s reduced role has coincided with Barcelona’s strong start to the season. The midfielder had been close to joining the Catalan club during the summer transfer window, but the move collapsed because of his financial demands and his insistence on being given an undisputed starting role.

Silva was able to negotiate with any club after his contract with Manchester City expired. Although he wanted to wear the Barcelona shirt, the club’s financial situation and his desire for regular football did not convince manager Hansi Flick. The competition for places in Barcelona’s midfield meant Flick was unwilling to guarantee him a starting position.

Barcelona sporting director Deco acknowledged a few days ago that signing Silva had been considered during the summer.

“We have some criteria, and this was not the position we were looking for,” Deco told RAC 1. “In addition, he wanted to play for financial reasons, and he had some different ideas. If they have ideas that differ from ours, there is nothing we can do.”

Silva, who was also attracting interest from Atletico Madrid, ultimately chose Real Madrid and a move to the Spanish capital.

He started Real Madrid’s opening two La Liga matches, against Espanyol and Real Sociedad, but his involvement declined before the international break. He has started only one of the club’s past five league games, featuring from the beginning in the 4-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano.

His situation has also failed to improve in the Champions League. Mourinho left him out of the plans entirely for the victory over Inter Milan, and Silva did not play.

Despite Real Madrid’s clear performance problems, Mourinho continues to favour Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni in the two holding midfield positions within his double-pivot system.

Valverde has been indispensable to the manager and has started every Real Madrid match this season. Tchouameni, who was not selected for France’s squad during the current three-week international break, has started consecutive matches after making a full recovery from injury.

Silva, by contrast, has been unable to establish himself either on the right wing or in the double-pivot midfield. The Portugal international has yet to secure a regular place in the side, despite the expectations surrounding his arrival.

Barcelona currently lead La Liga after a powerful opening to the campaign. They are ahead of their rivals despite having played one more match and sit six points clear of Real Madrid, intensifying the contrast between the path Silva chose and his current circumstances at the Bernabeu.