Bernardo Silva (32)'s potential move to Atlético Madrid is increasingly becoming a reality. The mood is that he is clearly looking to choose a new stage after ending a long association with Manchester City.
Marca of Spain reported on the 23rd (Korea time) that "Bernardo Silva and Atlético are negotiating with the goal of reaching a contract before the World Cup."
Atlético has chosen Bernardo Silva as the top option to fill the vacancy left by Antoine Griezmann leaving the team this summer. The player is also reported to be preparing to take on a new challenge after ending nine years at Manchester City.
Meanwhile, locally PSV's Lee Kang-in was also steadily mentioned as Griezmann's successor. In fact, several Spanish media outlets have reported Atlético interest.
However, recent momentum has tilted more toward Bernardo Silva. It seems to have moved beyond mere interest and entered actual negotiation stages.
The biggest obstacle right now is the salary issue. Atlético wants to finalize the contract as soon as possible, but final adjustments have not yet been made on detailed salary terms.
Still, local outlooks are positive. Analysts say that because both sides are strongly intent on completing the contract, it is highly likely they will eventually find common ground.
In particular, Atlético's leadership is reportedly accelerating negotiations by increasing contact frequency with Bernardo Silva's side. Sporting director Mateu Alemany is continuing direct coordination with agent Jorge Mendes.
There are clearly realistic burdens. Bernardo Silva is reported to have received about 18 million euros per season (about 31.7 billion won) at Manchester City. It is not easy for Atlético to match the same level of terms.
However, the club has room in its wage structure due to Griezmann's transfer. Griezmann was reportedly receiving about 8 million euros per year (about 14.1 billion won).
Also, the fact that Bernardo Silva would join as a free agent is another variable. With no transfer fee burden, it is possible to increase the proportion of signing bonus and salary.
The current highest earner in the team is Jan Oblak. He is reported to receive about 10 million euros per season (about 17.6 billion won).
Marca predicted that if Atlético raises conditions further during the final adjustment process, the likelihood of signing Bernardo Silva will increase.
The schedule ahead is also important. Once both La Liga and the Premier League seasons end and Bernardo Silva goes through the formal farewell with Manchester City, negotiations are expected to pick up pace.
Portugal's national team schedule is also a variable. Bernardo Silva is set to join the national team ahead of the Chile match on June 6 and the Nigeria match on June 10 next month. After that, Portugal will use Miami, Florida, as a base camp to prepare for the North and Central American World Cup.
Atlético is envisioning a scenario of finalizing the contract before he joins the national team.
The contract is likely to be a two-year deal with a one-year extension option. If the signing actually takes place, Bernardo Silva is expected to remain one of the headline transfers of this summer's European transfer market.
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