Mourinho Targets Bernardo Silva After Rodri's Exit

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has settled on Bernardo Silva as his primary target to fill the void left by Rodri's decision to join Barcelona. Reports from AS indicate that Silva was identified earlier in transfer discussions with Madrid officials as a potential option for the anchorman midfield position.

Although Silva does not directly substitute Rodri and lacks his defensive attributes, Mourinho believes Silva's technical skills, intelligence, and ability to work without the ball will make him a suitable partner for Aurelien Tchouameni in deep midfield. Rodri's choice to move to Barcelona, after nearly two weeks of negotiations with Madrid, prompted the club to consider alternatives.

While Silva is currently the first choice, Real Madrid is also monitoring younger prospects such as Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace, Kees Smit from AZ Alkmaar, and Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille as the transfer window remains open.