Bernardo Silva struggles for minutes at Real Madrid as Juventus circle
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva has logged eight minutes for Real Madrid and seven for Portugal since September 12.
His bench role at the club puts his future in question.
Background
Bernardo Silva is a 32-year-old Portuguese midfielder who joined Real Madrid from Manchester City in the summer. He has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter, and Madrid's Valverde-Tchouameni midfield partnership has drawn criticism for its limited influence in possession. Reports now say his future could take an unexpected turn.
How it unfolded
- Sep 12, 2026Since this date Bernardo Silva has logged eight minutes for Real Madrid and seven for Portugal, an abrupt fall in status.
- Oct 17, 2026With Madrid 3-1 down after Donyell Malen scored twice, Mourinho brought on Arda Guler and Bernardo Silva; reports said Silva's future could take an unexpected turn.
- Oct 18, 2026Silva played in the La Liga match between Real Madrid and Sevilla at the Bernabeu; Diario AS reported Mourinho was considering starting him or Eduardo Camavinga.
- Oct 20, 2026Silva trained at Valdebebas before the Champions League round 3 match against RB Leipzig.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- Madrid Universal reports Silva offers a more creative alternative, and that his technical security and work in tight spaces could help Madrid control midfield.
- Caution
- Reports say Mourinho has so far kept faith in the much-criticised Valverde-Tchouameni pairing, leaving Silva's starting chances uncertain.
- Support
- A roundtable report says Silva and Arda Guler are eager to be considered for a starting role, having shown they could control a game that had slipped away from Valverde and Tchouameni.
Still unverified
Diario AS reported that Mourinho is considering starting either Eduardo Camavinga or Bernardo Silva against Sevilla, with the choice still to be made. Reports also said Silva's future could take an unexpected turn, with Juventus interested amid his lack of game time.