Josko Gvardiol, Manchester City star
Josko Gvardiol, Manchester City star
Real Madrid have already completed five signings this summer: Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, Bernardo Silva, Marc Cucurella and Carlos Espi.
The Spanish club are also close to an agreement to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig and are in negotiations with Manchester City to sign Rodri.
It is safe to say that it has been a blockbuster summer transfer window for Jose Mourinho upon his return to the club.
One other player Madrid were interested in earlier in the window was Josko Gvardiol, but the Croatian ended up signing a new contract at the English club.
Gvardiol: Bernardo always wanted Spain
Bernardo Silva of Portugal
Bernardo Silva wanted to move to Spain. (Photo by Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images)
He has now admitted that he is not surprised Bernardo Silva ended up at Real Madrid, revealing that the Portuguese midfielder had spoken about returning to Spain for a long time.
Speaking about City’s summer departures to The Athletic, Gvardiol suggested Bernardo’s transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu fulfilled a long-held ambition.
“Bernardo being back where he belongs. He talked about Spain for a long, long time,” the Croatian said.
He also reflected on City’s squad changes, which have seen two of their leaders, Bernardo and Stones, leave this summer.
“How much have we lost? We will find out when we regroup at the start of the season, but we’re going to miss both of them,” Gvardiol explained.
Bernardo Silva of Portugal
Can Silva prove his credentials at Real Madrid? (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
For a long time, it always seemed that if Bernardo returned to Spain, it would be to play for Barcelona.
Even this summer, the Catalan club were the first in negotiations with the Portuguese midfielder. Subsequently, Atletico also entered the race.
It was only after Jose Mourinho’s arrival that Real Madrid pushed to sign Bernardo and wrapped up the deal in quick time.
For someone who has dreamed of playing in La Liga for as long as he has, there is no doubt that Bernardo will be determined to excel for Los Blancos.
Bernardo joins Real Madrid with a reputation as one of Europe’s most intelligent and technically gifted midfielders after years of success at Manchester City.
He is coming off an excellent season for Manchester City, where he played a lot of minutes and established himself as one of the first names for Pep Guardiola.
His versatility, work rate and experience should make him a valuable addition to Jose Mourinho’s squad, particularly as Madrid continue reshaping their midfield ahead of the new season.
The expectations are understandably high for Bernardo, and it remains to be seen how he gets on at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid and Brazil player
Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images
Vinicius Jr. has had a whirlwind of a week so far. After initial reports suggested that he will remain at Real Madrid, the forward has now once again staring at the possibility of leaving Santiago Bernabeu this summer.
Arsenal are the club to have registered the most concrete interest in the Brazilian international, as Mikel Arteta looks to shore up his options upfront.
The Gunners have taken some giant strides in their pursuit of Vinicius and the coming week could prove to be crucial.
Vinicius Jr. and Erling Haaland
Vinicius’ days could be numbered at Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
A recent report from Diario AS has offered a key update on the future of Vinicius, confirming that the forward has returned to Real Madrid after an extended World Cup break.
The forward is now set for a crunch meeting with Real Madrid regarding his future. His first priority is to meet new coach Jose Mourinho.
After talks with Mourinho, Real Madrid are expected to try and convince the forward to sign a new contract at the club, but not any price.
It has been established previously that Los Blancos are not keen on meeting Vinicius’ lofty wage demands, which is why the club have yet to reach an agreement with the player.
If that impasse continues and the player fails to sign a new contract, an exit is no longer out of the question.
Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid and Brazil player
Vinicius is back at Real Madrid after the World Cup break. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Needless to say, Arsenal will be monitoring this development closely as the Premier League champions are ready to pounce on any opportunity.
If Vinicius fails to sign a contract extension, the Gunners are expected to approach the Brazilian, in an attempt to lure him to the Premier League.
Real Madrid, for their part, are still in talks with RB Leipzig over Yan Diomande, although the two parties are yet to reach a final agreement.
Diomande is seen as a direct replacement for Vinicius, although coach Mourinho is not averse to having both the wingers as part of his setup next season.