Real Madrid are in advanced talks to snap up 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.
Bernardo Silva lifts the FA Cup alongside John Stones
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Silva's future has been one of the biggest talking points so far this summerCredit: Getty
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.
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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 it now appears he could be heading to the Bernabeu after Real sent an official proposal to sign him.
It is believed that Los Blancos are growing in confidence at bringing him to the club - with incoming boss Jose Mourinho spearheading the move.
Bernardo Silva with the Champions League trophy
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Silva helped City scoop the Champions League in 2023 - one of 20 trophies he won at the EtihadCredit: Getty
Silva's compatriot Mourinho is set to be unveiled as Alvaro Arbeloa's successor at Real - 13 years after he left to take charge of Chelsea.
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 WalkerandKevin De Bruyne.
Silva has faced City exit rumours since 2023, with Saudi sideAl Hilal made him an offer worth around £500,000-per-week, with a sign-on fee of over £2million.
Hewas again linkedwith a move to the Middle Eastlast 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.
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Bernardo Silva's 2025/26 Premier League stats
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Silva featured in 38 top-flight matches in the recent season - starting on 34 occasions
Bernardo Silva's Man City honour
Premier League x6
FA Cup x3
League Cup x5
Champions League x1
Community Shield x3
UEFA Super Cup x1
FIFA Club World Cup x1
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.