Real Madrid have returned to a plan centred on Bernardo Silva after Rodri opted to join Barcelona, according to Spanish newspaper AS.
The Manchester City midfielder had been considered by Real Madrid as the solution to their need for a deeper midfield organiser. However, Rodri made a personal decision to choose Barcelona, with no unusual circumstances surrounding the proposed move.
Real Madrid accepted his decision after 10 days of meetings, telephone calls and direct contact with the player. The refusal came at the start of this week, prompting the club to revive the original strategy drawn up in conjunction with Jose Mourinho.
That plan involves assessing the current squad and possible additions, with Bernardo Silva now at the top of the list. The Portugal international naturally tends to operate from the right side and move towards the opposition penalty area, but he has also demonstrated an ability to contribute defensively and provide clarity in possession and organisation.
Those qualities were evident at different stages of his career, and Mourinho believes they could allow Bernardo to take on a more central role for Real Madrid.
Bernardo is not a specialist defensive midfielder and does not possess Rodri’s specific characteristics. He has, however, played in the deeper area before, and Mourinho believes he could work alongside Aurelien Tchouameni to provide the starting point for the team’s build-up.
The idea of using Bernardo in a deeper position had already been discussed before the squad began its work, AS reported. During the first conversations between Real Madrid officials and Mourinho, Bernardo was the manager’s first choice.
His arrival would not mean Real Madrid have abandoned the transfer market, with more than three weeks remaining before the window closes. The club is still expected to monitor developments, both in terms of potential arrivals and departures.
However, Real Madrid believe the addition of the former Manchester City player, should it happen at Mourinho’s specific request, would give them greater depth in the central midfield position. The club considers that area could be adequately covered, or at least better staffed than it was last season.
Real Madrid’s recruitment team also recognise that there is no direct equivalent to Rodri. They accept that any alternative would bring different qualities, although another player capable of organising play from midfield could still become available.
Several younger midfielders remain on the club’s radar. They include 22-year-old Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace, 20-year-old Kees Smit of AZ Alkmaar and 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi of Lille.
Real Madrid have followed all three players. None is currently regarded as an absolute priority, but each remains under consideration as the club continues to assess its options.
For now, though, Bernardo Silva is the player being considered to operate as the “engine room” of Real Madrid’s midfield and to help compensate for the failure to sign Rodri.
