Real Madrid have already agreed a deal with Bernardo Silva Manchester CityBut the atmosphere in Spain is already a little uneasy after their performance in the World Cup with Portugal.
The Portuguese midfielder is joining the Spanish club as a free agent after leaving Manchester City. The deal was seen as a major coup, especially as José Mourinho had been pushing for the move.
As yet sports world It is now suggested that the tournament has raised some preliminary questions.
Spanish newspaper says Bernardo Silva has "disappeared from the map" during the World Cup. It is a remarkable line up for a player who was expected to be one of Portugal's leaders.
World Cup concerns
Bernardo Silva started Portugal's opening match against DR Congo, which ended in a 1–1 draw. Since then, his role has diminished.
Mundo Deportivo reports that he then started on the bench and failed to even get minutes in the crucial group-stage match against Colombia.
He later returned in the round of 32 against Croatia, but only for 28 minutes. The newspaper says he failed to stand out in that look.
His conclusion is clear. Bernardo Silva no longer looks like a guaranteed starter for Roberto Martínez. The report places him behind Rafael Leao, Pedro Neto and Joao Felix in Portugal's current attacking hierarchy.
Real Madrid's urgent question
Before the World Cup started, Bernardo Silva's move to Real Madrid was agreed. At that stage, the expectation was different. Mundo Deportivo points out that he was expected to be the hero for Portugal, who were one of the favorites for the tournament.
Instead, they have lost prominence. And that creates a delicate early question for Real Madrid. Have they signed a player who is still ready to lead at the highest level, or is he already moving away from his peak years?
That concern is certainly understandable. Bernardo Silva was a hugely important player for Manchester City under Pep Guardiola. His intelligence, mobility and control made him one of Guardiola's most reliable options.
Mundo Deportivo asked if Mourinho could reinstate Silva's role at Manchester City. The midfielder is 31 years old and technically talented. Still, his World Cup hasn't helped his chances of a deal.
For Manchester City, this marks the perfect time for his exit. They are losing a player who served them brilliantly, but Spain is already wondering if Real Madrid are getting the same version.
