Mendes: Many expected Bernardo Silva to fail, and Benfica signed João Félix as a favour

Agent Jorge Mendes recalled his efforts to persuade clubs to sign Bernardo Silva and João Félix. He said many doubted Silva could become an important player and expected him to play only in the first or second divisions.

Mendes explained that youth clubs may prefer physically stronger players, and that Monaco did not want to keep Silva after his first year, prompting him to persuade the club president. He added that the player's possession-based style made him a good fit for Manchester City, and later described him as one of the best players in the history of Portuguese football.

Mendes noted that João Félix was at Porto when Benfica signed his brother, and said the club took Félix on almost as a favour, because his father was concerned about having his two sons at rival clubs. He added that most of the players whose transfers he had overseen were not the standouts at their clubs, estimating their share at more than 80%.

Mendes praised Barcelona's work in its youth system, noting that the club signs one, two or three players from its reserve team each year, and that a number of first-team players came through its academy. He warned that talent is being lost in the second and third divisions because players are not given the right opportunity.