Mourinho's Madrid Move Opens Door to City Raid: Rodri, Gvardiol, Silva in Sights

The Special One is heading back to Real Madrid. Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Monday that Jose Mourinho has verbally agreed terms on an initial two-year deal to return to the Bernabeu, with the Portuguese tactician set to travel to Madrid following the Real-Bilbao fixture to put pen to paper on the contract.

It's a blockbuster appointment—and it immediately raises the prospect of Real Madrid turning their attention to Manchester City's squad as their primary hunting ground this summer.

Reports from both England and Spain suggest Mourinho has zeroed in on Rodri as his principal midfield target. The Madrid hierarchy have long admired the Spanish international, and Mourinho believes the defensive midfielder represents an urgent solution to bolster their central engine room. City director of football Hugo Viana is reportedly working hard to keep him at the Etihad, but the pull of the Bernabeu under a manager of Mourinho's stature could prove difficult to resist.

The intrigue deepens with claims that intermediaries have offered Real Madrid two further City players. Josko Gvardiol and Bernardo Silva have both been presented to Los Blancos as potential acquisitions, according to Spanish outlet AS.

Gvardiol, who arrived at City from RB Leipzig for €90million (£77m) in August 2023, represents a long-held ambition for Madrid. The Croatian defender was previously on their radar before City snapped him up, and he remains their dream target at centre-back—a position that needs reinforcing following David Alaba's departure.

As for Silva, his situation has shifted considerably. The 31-year-old Portuguese playmaker has confirmed he will depart City on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer. Beyond Madrid and Barcelona, who have harboured interest for years, Juventus, Saudi Arabian clubs, and MLS franchises are also monitoring developments. Silva has hinted at a long-term return to Benfica, though the timing remains uncertain. He's bowed out of his City tenure in style, collecting both the League Cup and FA Cup this season.

Of the three targets, Rodri appears the most realistic proposition for a blockbuster switch to Spain, though City will mount a determined effort to keep him on their books. Bayern Munich have also registered interest in Gvardiol, adding another layer of competition to the transfer jigsaw.

Mourinho's appointment has certainly set tongues wagging about what could be a transformative summer at the Bernabeu.