Transfer Market: The Contract Atlético Madrid Hopes Will Convince Bernardo Silva

Atlético Madrid has identified Bernardo Silva as the ideal replacement for the void left by Griezmann, and according to Spanish newspaper Marca, both parties are keen to expedite the process. The club from the Metropolitano aims to secure their first major summer signing as quickly as possible, while the Portuguese international, who announced his departure from Manchester City at the end of his contract, has stated his desire to have his future resolved before the World Cup begins.

According to the Spanish publication, the only remaining hurdle in negotiations is the player's salary. Despite this, the mutual desire to reach an agreement suggests that Bernardo Silva and Atlético Madrid are likely to join forces. To that end, Mateu Alemany, the club's professional football director, has intensified talks with agent Jorge Mendes to bridge the gap between their positions.

Griezmann's departure, which freed up an annual salary of eight million euros, significantly eases the club's wage bill and provides Atlético with more negotiating room. While the Spanish club cannot match the approximately 18 million euros Bernardo Silva earned at Manchester City, a final push to place him among the team's highest earners – a list topped by Oblak with 10 million euros net annually – could prove decisive.

It's worth remembering that the Portuguese midfielder will arrive in Madrid as a free agent, which entails a signing bonus payment. However, the absence of a transfer fee allows the club to offer a higher salary without compromising their budget.

Negotiations are expected to gain new momentum next week, following the conclusion of LaLiga and the Premier League, and Bernardo Silva's farewell from City. Marca also reports that the contract will be for two seasons, with an option for a third based on performance objectives, potentially marking the first major transfer of the summer window.

Despite attracting interest from several clubs, the prospect of Madrid appeals to Bernardo Silva due to its proximity to his family in Portugal, a stated objective of his. According to Transfermarkt data, the Portuguese is the third most valuable player whose contract expires this summer. Check out the top 20 and other stars in similar situations in the gallery below: