Marco Silva faces incomplete Benfica squad when pre-season starts on 25 June | OneFootball

Benfica have finally confirmed Marco Silva as head coach after a process prolonged by Real Madrid’s early elections and the timing of José Mourinho’s departure.

According to Glorioso 1904, the Portuguese coach has signed for two seasons with an option for a third year, returning home after leaving Fulham and earlier spells at Estoril and Sporting.

The first major date is 25 June, when the squad report to the Benfica Campus to begin pre-season. The group will be incomplete due to World Cup duty in North America, with Tomás Araújo, Amar Dedic, Richard Ríos, Fredrik Aursnes, Andreas Schjelderup and Dodi Lukebakio among the absentees.

Although only just announced, Silva had already been working with Rui Costa’s hierarchy on plans for 2026/27. Squad composition, priority signings and potential departures are under review as Benfica reorganise following Mourinho’s move to Real Madrid.

The aim is to push again for major domestic honours and reassert the club in Europe. With a short pre-season and a demanding calendar ahead, Silva has little time to install his ideas, and the hierarchy believe his Premier League experience could be decisive.

Source: Glorioso 1904