Real Madrid’s free signings have defined the opening week of the summer window, with Real Madrid completing the captures of Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konaté on free transfers within 24 hours of each other. Bernardo Silva was confirmed on Wednesday 17 June, with Konaté following on Thursday 18 June, giving José Mourinho two trophy-laden, ready-made signings at zero transfer cost.
The double whammy continues a recruitment model that has served the Spanish club well in recent windows, and signals a clear shift in focus – from young projects to experienced players who can be thrown straight into the side.
Bernardo Silva joins from Manchester City
Bernardo Silva has signed a two-year contract until June 30, 2028, with an option for a further year. The 31-year-old Portugal international left Manchester City when his contract expired at the end of last season, ending a nine-year stay at the Etihad Stadium.
Silva arrived in Manchester from Monaco in 2017 and made more than 450 appearances, winning six Premier League titles and one Champions League. He captained the side in their final campaign, featuring in all 38 league games as City finished second and added the Carabao Cup and FA Cup to their collection.
His signature was coveted across Europe, with Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid among the clubs to register an interest. The appointment of Portuguese compatriot José Mourinho was decisive in turning the step towards the Santiago Bernabéuwith the manager identifying Silva as a priority target.
Ibrahima Konaté completes Liverpool’s exit
Konaté has put pen to paper on a four-year deal that will run until June 2030. The 27-year-old French centre-back is leaving Liverpool after five years, having declined to extend his contract at Anfield and allowing it to run to its conclusion.
The defender joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021 for a fee of €40 million and made 183 appearances, playing a major role in the club’s Premier League triumph in 2025. His move to Madrid reunites him with familiar surroundings, with a strong French presence already at the club in Kylian Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga and Ferland Mendy.
Konaté addresses a clear need in central defense, an area plagued by injuries and depth concerns in recent seasons. He brings top-class physicality, pace and experience to a backline that Mourinho wants to reshape.
Mourinho’s rebuild takes shape
The two free transfers are part of a busy start to the window for newly re-elected president Florentino Pérez and a Real Madrid side determined to respond after two seasons without a major trophy. Marc Cucurella has already arrived from Chelsea in a deal worth up to £51.8m, while a move for Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries is also expected to be confirmed.
Silva and Konaté join a remarkable list of high-profile players who have arrived at the Bernabéu on free transfers in recent years, following David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger, Kylian Mbappé and Trent Alexander-Arnold. The strategy allows the club to invest its resources elsewhere while ensuring proven quality.
The contrast with last summer is striking. Twelve months ago Madrid opted for the youngest arrivals, but this window has prioritized experience, with the average age of incoming players increasing greatly. Mourinho has long favored tried and tested performers, and the pressure to deliver silverware quickly has made that experience all the more valuable.
World Cup duty delays presentations
Neither player will be introduced immediately. Both are out of international service at World Cup 2026with Silva making Portugal’s squad for their third tournament and Konaté representing France. Their official Bernabeu presentations will take place once their nations have concluded their participation in North America.
For now, Real Madrid’s free signings have set the tone for a window that is far from over. Both arrivals strengthen the backbone of the squad without affecting the budget, and with more business expected, the holders of the majority Champions League titles they are clearly determined to reassert themselves at home and in Europe. Two of the Premier Leaguethe most decorated interpreters of will be fundamental in this effort.
Frequently asked questions
Have Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konaté signed for Real Madrid?
yes Both players have completed free transfers to Real Madrid. Bernardo Silva was confirmed on June 17, 2026 and Ibrahima Konaté on June 18, 2026.
How long are their contracts with Real Madrid?
Bernardo Silva has signed a two-year contract until June 2028 with an option for a further year. Ibrahima Konaté has signed a four-year deal that will run until June 2030.
Why were the moves free transfers?
Both players let their contracts expire. Silva left Manchester City at the end of last season and Konaté voided his contract at Liverpool, meaning Real Madrid paid no transfer fee for either.
Who else has Real Madrid signed this summer?
Real Madrid have also signed Marc Cucurella from Chelsea, with Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries expected to follow.
When will Silva and Konaté be announced?
Both players are at the 2026 World Cup, so their official introductions at the Santiago Bernabéu will take place after their national teams finish the tournament.
