Transfer News: Real Madrid ‘Offer’ £35 Million And Two Players Guardiola ‘Appreciates’ For Manchester City Star
In a move that could shake the transfer market this summer, Real Madrid have reportedly made an audacious proposal to sign a Manchester City star by offering £35 million plus two players that Pep Guardiola is said to “appreciate.” The deal, if successful, would be one of the most eye-catching swaps of the year, uniting European giants in a transfer negotiation with major implications for both La Liga and the Premier League.
The Target: Bernardo Silva
The player at the heart of this potential deal is believed to be Bernardo Silva, the Portuguese playmaker who has been an integral part of Manchester City’s dominance in English football. Silva, 29, has won everything there is to win under Guardiola, including the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and UEFA Champions League.
However, despite his success at the Etihad, whispers of a potential exit have followed Silva for the past few seasons. With reported interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona in previous windows, Real Madrid have now stepped into the fray with a concrete offer designed to tempt City into letting go of one of their prized assets.
Real Madrid’s Offer: £35 Million + Two Players
According to sources close to the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid are ready to table an offer of £35 million in cash along with two squad players—both of whom are said to be on Guardiola’s radar.
The two players are:
1. Brahim Díaz – The versatile Spanish attacker who came through Manchester City’s youth ranks before joining Real Madrid in 2019. Now 24, Brahim enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season, stepping up with several key performances in the absence of Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham. Guardiola has always been a fan of Brahim’s technical quality, and a return to the Etihad might suit both parties.
2. Ferland Mendy – The 29-year-old left-back, who has seen his starting role threatened by emerging talent Fran García and the soon-to-arrive Alphonso Davies. Mendy offers defensive solidity and Champions League experience. Given City’s occasional issues with depth at full-back, especially on the left, Guardiola may see Mendy as a reliable addition to his rotational squad.
By offering both players along with £35 million, Madrid are aiming to structure a deal that is appealing to Guardiola not just financially, but tactically.
Guardiola’s Response: Tempted But Not Rushed
Pep Guardiola is known for valuing chemistry, work ethic, and tactical flexibility in his players. Bernardo Silva checks all those boxes and then some. Replacing him wouldn’t be straightforward. However, Guardiola is also pragmatic and forward-thinking.
Sources close to the club claim he is “genuinely intrigued” by the inclusion of Brahim Díaz, whom he handed a senior debut at City in 2016. Now a more mature, dynamic attacker, Brahim could offer the flair and creativity City would need in Silva’s absence. Mendy, too, is viewed as a “solid squad option” in an area where City have used makeshift full-backs for seasons.
But despite the appreciation, Guardiola is not rushing into the decision. The Catalan coach is said to want assurances over Silva’s long-term commitment before accepting any deal. If the player indicates he wishes to leave, Guardiola is open to the swap—but only if City receive adequate replacements and maintain their competitive edge.
Real Madrid’s Strategy: Future-Proofing the Midfield
For Real Madrid, the pursuit of Bernardo Silva is part of a larger strategy to phase out their older generation of midfielders and add even more depth behind Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Fede Valverde.
Toni Kroos has already retired from club football, and Luka Modrić is expected to have his minutes heavily reduced this season. While Bellingham often operates in a more advanced role, Silva’s ability to play as a No. 8 or wide right would offer Carlo Ancelotti more flexibility in midfield design. His intelligence on the ball, pressing ability, and knack for scoring vital goals make him an ideal fit for Madrid’s high-standards midfield evolution.
It’s also worth noting that Silva has expressed admiration for La Liga and Real Madrid in particular during past interviews, adding fuel to the speculation that he would be open to a new challenge in Spain.
City’s Internal Dilemma: Accept Now or Risk Losing for Less
Manchester City find themselves in a delicate position. Silva’s contract is running down, and although there are reports of a potential extension being discussed, no agreement has yet been reached. If Silva pushes for a move, City would need to weigh up the benefits of accepting Madrid’s offer now, while they still hold some leverage.
Should they wait, they risk the player running down his contract and leaving for significantly less—or even for free. Given City’s financial strength, they are not under pressure to sell, but Guardiola’s preference has always been to avoid keeping unsettled players.
Adding to the pressure is the fact that City are already in a summer of transition, having seen İlkay Gündoğan depart last summer, and with doubts over Kevin De Bruyne’s long-term fitness. Losing another senior midfielder without a clear replacement could destabilize the squad heading into the 2025–26 campaign.
Fans React: Mixed Emotions Across the Divide
The news of Real Madrid’s offer has sparked a wave of reaction from both fanbases.
Manchester City fans are divided. Some understand Silva’s desire for a new challenge and believe that receiving £35 million plus two experienced players could be a savvy move. Others feel that no deal is worth losing one of Guardiola’s most trusted lieutenants, especially with the Champions League still firmly in their sights.
Real Madrid fans, meanwhile, are largely enthusiastic. Silva is seen as a “Galáctico-caliber” addition who brings elite mentality and world-class quality. With Madrid building a team capable of dominating Europe for the next decade, adding Silva could tilt the scales even further in their favor.
Final Verdict: Deal Still in Early Stages
As of now, the proposed deal is still in its preliminary phase. Real Madrid have made contact and communicated the structure of their offer, but there is no formal agreement in place. Manchester City are expected to hold internal discussions and speak with Bernardo Silva in the coming days to determine the player’s stance.
Ultimately, much will depend on Silva’s desire. If he pushes for a move and Guardiola gets the players he wants in return, the deal could accelerate quickly. But if City choose to play hardball or if Silva commits to staying, Real Madrid may have to look elsewhere.
Either way, this story has all the ingredients of a blockbuster summer saga—and fans on both sides will be watching closely.
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Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds. Will Silva become the latest superstar to wear the famous white of Madrid, or will City stand firm and keep their midfield maestro?
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