Marco Silva to leave Fulham after five years, in advanced talks with Benfica | OneFootball

Fulham said in a statement that Marco Silva will leave his role as head coach when his contract expires this summer.

He is understood to be in advanced talks with Benfica, with indications he will replace Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho, 63, was appointed by Benfica to succeed Bruno Lage in September, three weeks after leaving Fenerbahce, and took them to the Champions League play-off round, where they lost to Real Madrid. He has signed a contract at Madrid, due to be finalised after the club’s presidential elections on June 7.

In an open letter on Tuesday, Silva thanked supporters for being with the team from day one and said his staff always felt their backing. He added that Fulham will remain in his heart and that he expects to return to Craven Cottage in time.

The 48-year-old won the Championship in his first season, then consolidated in the Premier League. Fulham finished 11th last term with a club record 54 points and matched that position this season after a final-day 2-0 win over Newcastle United.

Owner Shahid Khan expressed gratitude to Silva and said change is inevitable in football, adding the club have prepared for this moment. He said Fulham will appoint a new head coach in a timely but deliberate manner to meet club standards and fan expectations.

Silva previously managed Sporting CP in 2014-15, winning the Taca de Portugal. Tottenham Hotspur admired him before appointing Ange Postecoglou in 2023 and again two years later, and most recently considered him in April before hiring Roberto De Zerbi. Earlier roles included Estoril, Sporting, Olympiacos, Hull City, Watford and Everton, with a Greek Super League title at Olympiacos.

Source: NY Times