Overview
- Silva joined Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer and signed a two‑year deal running to June 30, 2028.
- He has started only three matches and logged roughly 282 minutes across six appearances as his role has faded since the opening fixtures.
- José Mourinho has publicly said Silva arrived below the required fitness level and needs time to develop before earning regular starts.
- Mourinho has largely relied on Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni as a defensive double pivot, a setup that makes it hard to insert Silva without changing the midfield balance.
- Silva provided a late assist against Atlético Madrid, which offers a small tactical signal, but his decision to pick Real over Barcelona raised expectations that now hinge on whether Mourinho will reshuffle the midfield or keep Silva as a rotational option.