Marco Silva will leave Fulham in June 2026 after five years, with a Benfica move nearly confirmed.
Marco Silva has announced his departure from Fulham after five years as manager, with the 48-year-old Portuguese coach on the verge of finalizing an agreement to join Benfica. His contract with Fulham concludes at the end of June, leaving his future uncertain in recent months. Earlier, the club proposed a new three-year deal to retain him. Silva took charge in 2021 when Fulham were in the Championship, leading them to promotion in his debut season.
Under Silva’s leadership, Fulham have remained in the Premier League, finishing 10th, 13th, and 11th in his subsequent campaigns. His final season saw a crucial victory over Newcastle on the final matchday, securing an 11th-place finish for the club. Fulham’s steady top-flight status over five years stands as a key achievement during his tenure. The team’s promotion from the second tier marked the start of his successful run.
In an open letter to supporters, Silva reflected on his time at Fulham, stating, "After five years, our journey together comes to an end." He expressed gratitude to the fans, saying, "I asked you, from day one, to always be with us. And that's what you did these past five years." Silva added, "My staff and I always felt your support. It will never be forgotten. Fulham will always be in my heart, and sooner or later I will be back at Craven Cottage."
Fulham’s owner Shahid Khan acknowledged Silva’s impact, noting the club and manager were "an excellent fit." Khan emphasized that "change is inevitable in this game, and we've accordingly prepared for this moment." He highlighted the squad’s talent, Craven Cottage, and fan support as reasons Fulham remains an appealing destination for new coaches. Khan confirmed a new head coach will be appointed promptly, aligning with the club’s standards and fan expectations.
Discussions between Silva and Benfica have advanced rapidly, with an agreement appearing imminent. The Portuguese club seeks a replacement for Jose Mourinho, who recently left to join Real Madrid on a three-year contract. Silva’s impending move follows Fulham’s decision to let him leave after contract expiry. Benfica’s pursuit of Silva signals their urgency to find a high-profile successor.