Real Madrid 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 one another. Bernardo Silva was confirmed on Wednesday 17 June, with Konaté following on Thursday 18 June, giving José Mourinho two ready-made, trophy-laden additions at zero transfer cost.
The double swoop continues a recruitment model that has served the Spanish club well in recent windows, and it signals a clear shift in approach: 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 30 June 2028, with an option for a further year. The 31 year old Portugal international left Manchester City when his deal expired at the end of last season, bringing to a close a nine year stay at the Etihad Stadium.
Silva arrived in Manchester from Monaco in 2017 and went on to make more than 450 appearances, winning six Premier League titles and one Champions League. He captained the side in his final campaign, featuring in all 38 league matches as City finished second and added the Carabao Cup and FA Cup to his collection.
His signature was coveted across Europe, with Barcelona and Atlético Madrid among the clubs to register an interest. The appointment of fellow Portuguese José Mourinho proved decisive in swinging the move towards the Santiago Bernabéu, with the manager identifying Silva as a priority target.
Ibrahima Konaté completes Liverpool exit
Konaté has put pen to paper on a four year deal that runs until June 2030. The 27 year old France centre-back leaves Liverpool after five years, having declined to extend his contract at Anfield and allowing it to run down to its conclusion.
The defender joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021 for a fee in the region of 40 million euros and made 183 appearances, playing an important role in the club's 2025 Premier League title triumph. 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 defence, an area hit by injuries and depth concerns over recent seasons. He brings physicality, pace and top-level experience to a back line that Mourinho is keen to reshape.
Mourinho's rebuild takes shape
The two free transfers form part of a busy start to the window for the 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 51.8 million pounds, while a move for Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries is also expected to be confirmed.
Silva and Konaté join a notable list of high-profile players to 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 still securing proven quality.
The contrast with last summer is striking. Twelve months ago Madrid leaned on younger arrivals, but this window has prioritised experience, with the average age of incoming players climbing sharply. Mourinho has long favoured tried-and-tested performers, and the pressure to deliver silverware quickly has made that experience all the more valuable.
World Cup duty delays the unveilings
Neither player will be presented immediately. Both are away on international duty at the 2026 World Cup, with Silva part of the Portugal squad for his third tournament and Konaté representing France. Their official Bernabéu unveilings will take place once their nations conclude their involvement in North America.
For now, Real Madrid free signings have set the tone for a window that is far from finished. Both arrivals strengthen the spine of the squad without denting the budget, and with further business anticipated, the holders of the most Champions League titles are clearly intent on reasserting themselves at home and in Europe. Two of the Premier League's most decorated performers will be central to that 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 17 June 2026 and Ibrahima Konaté on 18 June 2026.
How long are their Real Madrid contracts?
Bernardo Silva has signed a two year deal until June 2028 with an option for a further year. Ibrahima Konaté has signed a four year deal that runs until June 2030.
Why were the moves free transfers?
Both players allowed their contracts to expire. Silva left Manchester City at the end of last season and Konaté ran down his deal at Liverpool, meaning Real Madrid paid no transfer fee for either.
Who else have Real Madrid signed this summer?
Real Madrid have also signed Marc Cucurella from Chelsea, with a move for Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries expected to follow.
When will Silva and Konaté be unveiled?
Both players are at the 2026 World Cup, so their official presentations at the Santiago Bernabéu will take place after their national teams finish in the tournament.