With the power of money and Mourinho’s influence, Real Madrid destroys the plans of its arch-neighbor.

Real Madrid’s financial prowess has scuppered the hopes of their neighbors Atlético Madrid at the Mercato next summer, according to a press release today, Monday.

Mundo Deportivo have confirmed that Bernardo Silva and Marc Cucurella have been among Atletico Madrid’s top targets to strengthen their ranks in preparation for the 2026/27 campaign.

Negotiations took place for both players as there was great optimism about the possibility of signing Silva, while talks continued for Cucurella, but in both cases the emergence of Real Madrid as a serious challenger forced Atlético to abandon their efforts to sign both players.

The Portuguese international was very close to joining Atletico Madrid, who saw him as the perfect replacement for Antoine Griezmann, who will continue his career in the United States. Bernardo prioritized a team where he felt important and said after the friendly match with Portugal.

But Florentino Perez won the presidential election of Real Madrid, and it was officially announced that Mourinho will be the coach of the team. The Portuguese coach asked for a contract with his compatriot, and shortly after the deal was signed.

Real Madrid have agreed to pay a special bonus to the player and his agent Jorge Mendes, in addition to offering a significantly higher salary than they had agreed in practice with Atletico Madrid.

What about? CocurellaThe player was the preferred choice of “Atletico” Madrid to occupy the position of left defender.

Negotiations with the player went well and his priority was to return to Spain, but the club could not meet Chelsea’s €50 million demand.

Here, Mourinho’s intervention was once again crucial, as in addition to the board asking him to sign him, he spoke to him personally.

In the end, Real Madrid will pay around €60 million to sign the Spain international, giving him a higher salary than Atletico.

This happens despite the fact that the team already has three players in the position of left back. (Alvaro Carreras, who they paid €50m for last summer), Mendy and Fran García).

The bottom line is that while Atlético have made good moves to try and sign experienced players, Real Madrid’s greater economic power has dashed the hopes of the red and white team, who will have to activate plan 2 after plan one fails.