Marco Silva confirms Fulham exit after five-year spell amid interest from Benfica -' We achieved a lot together'

The Portuguese coach has been heavily linked with a return to his homeland, with Benfica reportedly identifying him as the leading candidate to succeed Jose Mourinho in Lisbon.

The former Chelsea and Internazionale manager is expected to be confirmed imminently as the new Real Madrid head coach on a three-year deal.

Silva's tenure in west London has been one of sustained progress and stability, but the 48-year-old - who was appointed in the summer of 2021 as Scott Parker's successor - may feel now is the right time to seek a new challenge.

Fulham won the Championship title in his first season - a first league title in 21 years - securing an immediate return to the Premier League.

Chairman Shahid Khan said: "Marco Silva leaves our club with my gratitude and best wishes. Fulham and Marco were an excellent fit for five seasons, but change is inevitable in this game, and we’ve accordingly prepared for this moment.

"The talent in our squad, our historic home ground of Craven Cottage, our faithful supporters, and my commitment to backing the club, all make Fulham an extraordinarily attractive destination for an incoming head coach.

"We will soon appoint a new leader in a timely but deliberate manner, who will meet the standards of our club and expectations of our fans throughout the world."

Significantly, Silva has overseen the club's establishment as a consistent top-flight outfit, delivering league finishes of 10th, 13th, and back-to-back 11th-place campaigns over the past four seasons.

Under his leadership, Fulham have evolved from a side seeking survival into one capable of competing comfortably in the Premier League's mid-table, while they were still in contention for European qualification until the final week of the 2025/26 season.

Following confirmation of his departure, the former Everton and Watford boss paid tribute to the club's supporters.

"To our fans - I asked you, from day one, to always be with us. And that's what you did these past five years," said Silva, who had been offered a contract extension at Craven Cottage.

"We achieved a lot together," he continued. "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."

His departure marks the end of one of the most successful managerial periods in Fulham's recent history, leaving his successor with the challenge of building on the strong foundations he has established.

Having twice suffered immediate relegation following promotion to the Premier League, Fulham defied expectations under Silva by securing a top-half finish in the 2022/23 campaign.

That memorable season also delivered a landmark moment for supporters, as The Cottagers recorded their first-ever Premier League win at Stamford Bridge.

Silva's tenure has been marked by a series of other historic achievements. In 2024/25, Fulham set a new club record for points in a Premier League season, amassing 54 as the team continued its evolution into an established top-flight side.

Cup competitions also provided notable milestones under his leadership, as Silva guided Fulham to four domestic quarter-finals and oversaw the club's deepest-ever run in the Carabao Cup, reaching the semi-finals for the first time in its history.

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