‘I want you at Real Madrid,’ Mourinho tells Bernardo Silva

Abdullateef Fowewe

José Mourinho has personally contacted Bernardo Silva to express strong interest in signing the Portuguese midfielder for Real Madrid, Spanish outlet Diario AS reports.

The development has put other talks on hold and heightened speculation over a high-profile summer transfer.

The report says Mourinho, newly appointed as Real Madrid manager phoned Bernardo with a direct message: “I want you at Real Madrid.”

Mourinho values Bernardo’s team-first mentality and willingness to prioritise collective success over individual accolades, and believes the midfielder could play a key role both on the pitch and in the dressing room.

Bernardo, who has been linked with Barcelona and Atlético Madrid this window, has reportedly paused discussions with those clubs.

In a recent interview, he said, “I’ll go to a club where I’m truly wanted,” language that has been interpreted as leaving the door open to Real Madrid after Mourinho’s outreach.

Sources cited by Diario AS claim the transfer is “very close,” though no official agreement has been announced.

Any move would still require negotiations with Bernardo’s current club over transfer terms and personal terms with the player.

If completed, the signing would mark a major coup for Mourinho and Real Madrid, adding a creative, versatile midfielder known for intelligence, pressing and technical skill.