Playing Time Demands Cost Bernardo Silva Barça Transfer Prior to Madrid Move
Speaking in an interview with SPORT, FC Barcelona sporting director Deco outlined the club’s recruitment decisions following the conclusion of the summer transfer window. Deco confirmed that former Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva sought a transfer to Camp Nou prior to completing his move to Real Madrid.
The Portuguese international reached the end of his contract at Manchester City and was heavily linked with a move to Catalonia. However, FC Barcelona decided against finalizing a deal, choosing instead to focus their recruitment resources on landing Rodri while maintaining strict squad role guidelines.
Bernardo Silva
playerDeco Details Why Barcelona Passed on Bernardo Silva Transfer
Addressing the specific reasons why negotiations stalled despite the player’s preference for Catalonia, Deco explained that positional needs and expectations regarding pitch time dictated the management’s decision.
“It wasn’t the position we were looking for. I love him, he’s one of the best in the world in his position and he’s Portuguese. He wanted to come to Barça, but it didn’t work out because we have certain criteria. If things go any further, there’s nothing we can do. It was a question of money and playing time. We’re not saying whether he’ll play or not. If his views differ from ours, there’s nothing we can do. He wanted to play, but I prefer to rely on our own players.”
Deco’s comments underline FC Barcelona’s stance on wage structure and squad balance over individual profile. Rather than restructuring the midfield hierarchy to guarantee starting minutes for Silva, the sporting director chose to safeguard roles for existing squad members and direct transfer funds toward Rodri.
Real Madrid
clubDeco Evaluates Real Madrid Squad Dynamics and Jose Mourinho Factor
Following Jose Mourinho’s push for Real Madrid to secure Silva once negotiations with Barcelona halted, Deco offered his perspective on the squad assembled in the Spanish capital.
“They’ve got some brilliant players, a great manager, my manager at Porto. I wish them luck, though not against us. If they manage to build a team, it’ll be tough this season. We’ll just focus on our own game,”
The addition of Silva provides Real Madrid with an established playmaker following Mourinho’s backing. Deco reiterated that Barcelona’s sporting strategy remains focused internally rather than reacting to external moves by domestic rivals.
While initial reports framed Silva’s destination as a scenario where Real Madrid beat FC Barcelona to a target, Deco clarified that Barcelona voluntarily withdrew from negotiations over positional priorities and playing time expectations.
Deco made these statements in an interview published by SPORT.