Bernardo Silva of Real Madrid
Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website
Real Madrid’s transfer window is considered all but over at this point with the club unlikely to make any new signings unless there is a sudden departure.
In that sense, the only real upgrade the Merengues have made in midfield is the arrival of Bernardo Silva as a free agent, especially after it has now become clear that Rodri will not sign for them.
Earlier today, it was reported that Real Madrid do not regret missing out on Rodri as the Spaniard was never seen as a priority signing.
The report further stated that the club trusted Silva as an upgrade needed and that Rodri was only the icing on the cake.
Now, as reported by Ramon Alvarez (h/t RM4Arab), Real Madrid are indeed considering using Bernardo Silva in the same position that Rodri would have hypothetically filled – as a deep-lying midfielder.
Bernardo Silva of Real Madrid
Set to play as a pivot midfielder. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)
The journalist relays that the Portuguese star is expected to play in Real Madrid’s double pivot next season, likely alongside one of Federico Valverde or Aurelien Tchouameni.
Needless to say, the decision comes as a massive shock considering how Silva is far from a pivot midfielder in terms of his profile.
While he can be versatile, he has built his reputation as a great attacking midfielder and winger, and to deploy him as a deep-lying midfielder raises concerns about the dynamics Jose Mourinho has in mind.
Earlier this summer, Bernardo was expected to compete for Real Madrid’s right-wing in the upcoming season given how he can be a versatile option out wide.
Aurelien Tchouameni, Real Madrid and France player
Silva will likely play alongside Tchouameni. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
The club, however, went on and pushed for Yan Diomande’s arrival. Between the new signing, Rodrygo, and Brahim Diaz, Real Madrid are now stacked in that department.
Meanwhile, the attacking midfield is already loaded with Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler who are already competing for one spot.
The only position remaining for Silva to slot into, thus, is the double pivot where Real Madrid failed to make any meaningful addition.
It is a risky decision that could compromise the team’s midfield stability, but it is clear that Mourinho will only stick to that plan if he sees good results in pre-season.
Jose Mourinho, head coach of Real Madrid
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
After Rodri Hernández chose Barcelona over Real Madrid, the club quickly accepted that the deal was over.
According to reports, Rodri personally informed Los Blancos of his decision after deciding that his future lay at the Spotify Camp Nou. While the outcome came as a disappointment, the club respected the player’s choice.
Real Madrid had been the first club to approach Rodri after the World Cup, presenting him with a proposal that initially appeared to put them in pole position.
For a while, all signs pointed towards the Spain international moving to the Santiago Bernabeu. That changed when Rodri ultimately opted for Barcelona.
Despite missing out on their primary midfield target, Real Madrid have no intention of pursuing another defensive midfielder before the transfer window closes, reports COPE.
Rodri of Manchester City
Moving to Barcelona. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
As far as Rodri’s snub is concerned, within the club, the message has remained consistent: Real Madrid will not sign players who do not genuinely want to play for the club.
As for pursuing another midfielder, Los Blancos believe the current squad contains enough quality and depth to compete throughout the season without making another addition in the middle of the park.
Rather than looking externally, Real Madrid intend to solve the issue from within.
As reported earlier, The expectation is that Jose Mourinho will increasingly use Bernardo Silva in a deeper midfield position.
Bernardo will be used in a deeper role. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)
The Portuguese international is viewed as capable of operating as a central midfielder and could form part of a double pivot alongside one of the club’s existing options.
Mourinho can count on captain Federico Valverde, World Cup semi-finalist Aurelien Tchouameni, and his compatriot Eduardo Camavinga as options to pair Bernardo in the double pivot.
Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler, meanwhile, will compete for the No. 10 position.
If Thiago Pitarch does not leave the club, he too could emerge as a candidate after impressing in the second half of the last season.
With confidence in the versatility of the current squad, Real Madrid’s hierarchy see no need to invest further in midfield, despite Rodri’s decision to join Barcelona.