Juventus are already beginning to feel the consequences of their likely failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Without Europe’s biggest competition on the table, attracting elite players becomes dramatically more difficult — and Bernardo Silva appears to be the latest example.
Atletico Madrid Overtake Juventus in Bernardo Silva Race
According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Portuguese star no longer wants to wait for Juventus’ final Serie A outcome before deciding his future.
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Silva, whose contract with Manchester City is approaching its final stages, has always viewed Spain as his preferred destination.
Despite strong interest from Juventus — including direct contact from Luciano Spalletti and several messages of admiration from the club — the 31-year-old seriously reconsidered his options in recent weeks.
However, Juventus slipping to sixth place in Serie A ultimately changed everything. Now, Atlético Madrid have surged ahead of both Juventus and FC Barcelona in the race for Silva’s signature.
Diego Simeone has reportedly made the midfielder a top priority, with the Spanish side now leading negotiations.
Champions League Failure Changes Juventus Transfer Plans
Inside Continassa, Juventus directors were fully aware that qualifying for the Champions League was essential to complete such a high-profile deal.
Missing out on Europe’s elite competition would cost the club an estimated €55-60 million, making Silva’s demands nearly impossible to satisfy.
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Negotiations with super-agent Jorge Mendes reportedly revealed the full scale of the operation: a massive salary package, a three-year contract, and heavy commissions needed to compete with Spanish clubs and even Galatasaray S.K..
Even though the Bernardo Silva dream is fading away, Juventus are not abandoning their ambitions. The club still intends to build a squad capable of fighting for the 2026-27 Serie A title under Spalletti.
With Silva moving closer to Spain, Juventus have already shifted their attention toward two familiar names from Milan football circles: Tijjani Reijnders …
… who has struggled for regular minutes under Guardiola and Brahim Díaz although Real Madrid CF are reportedly ready to extend his contract until 2031.