Transfer: Ex-Portugal boss, Santos hails Real Madrid over recent signing

Former Portugal head coach, Fernando Santos, has praised the recent signing of Bernardo Silva by Real Madrid.

Silva joined the Spanish giants last month on a free transfer after a successful tenure at Manchester City.

Silva, now 31, makes his way to the Santiago Bernabeu following a nine-season period at the Etihad, where he netted 76 goals in 460 appearances across all competitions and secured 19 trophies, including six Premier League titles.

Most recently, the midfielder participated in the 2026 World Cup held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, where he narrowly missed a late equalizer, heading the ball over the bar as Portugal fell 1-0 to the eventual champions, Spain, in the Round of 16.

Santos, who managed the Selecao from 2014 to 2022, commended Silva’s attributes, stating (as reported by Managing Madrid):

“As a footballer, Bernardo Silva is well-known. He possesses immense quality and perceives the game in a way that very few players can. His standards as a player are exceptionally high, making it challenging to equate his on-field prowess with his character, yet in his case, it holds true.

“He is attentive, courteous, kind, and consistently wears a smile. On a personal and human level, he ranks among the finest footballers I have encountered throughout my career. Real Madrid has acquired a phenomenon in every aspect.”

Rejecting claims that Silva has passed his prime, Santos added, “Based on my observations this season at City, I would assert that he remains at his best. I know him very well, and I am confident that he has many excellent years ahead.

“He is still at the pinnacle of his career, and he will demonstrate that. In my opinion, he remains one of the best in the world. I believe Real Madrid made a wise decision in signing him, and he will significantly contribute to the team.”

Bernardo Silva has committed to a two-year contract at the Bernabeu, following a title-winning season at City, despite Arsenal claiming the Premier League title.