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Marco Silva has confirmed that his five-year spell at Fulham is coming to an end, with the Portuguese coach closing in on a move to Benfica.
The 48-year-old's contract expires at the end of June, and speculation surrounding his future had grown throughout the closing months of the season. Fulham had hoped to retain Silva and offered him a new three-year contract, but he has now decided to bring his successful tenure at Craven Cottage to a close.
Silva arrived at Fulham in 2021 after previous managerial spells with Hull City, Watford and Everton. At the time of his appointment, Fulham were competing in the Championship and looking for a return to the Premier League.
His impact was immediate. Silva guided the club to promotion in his first season and then established Fulham as a consistent top-flight side. Under his leadership, the London club secured Premier League finishes of 10th, 13th, 11th and, most recently, 11th again after ending the campaign with a victory over Newcastle United.
In a heartfelt message to supporters, Silva reflected on his time at the club and thanked fans for their unwavering backing throughout his tenure.
He said the journey had come to an end after five memorable years and praised supporters for standing by the team from the beginning. Silva added that both he and his coaching staff always felt the fans' support and would never forget it. He also expressed his affection for the club, saying Fulham would always hold a special place in his heart and that he hopes to return to Craven Cottage in the future.
Fulham owner Shahid Khan paid tribute to Silva's contribution, describing the partnership between manager and club as an excellent fit. Khan acknowledged that change is inevitable in football but insisted the club had prepared for this moment.
He highlighted the quality of Fulham's squad, the appeal of Craven Cottage, the loyalty of the supporters and the club's ambition as key attractions for Silva's successor. Khan also promised that a new head coach would be appointed carefully and in good time.
Meanwhile, talks between Silva and Benfica have advanced significantly in recent days, with an agreement believed to be close. The Portuguese giants are searching for a replacement for Jose Mourinho, who recently departed to become head coach of Real Madrid on a three-year contract.
If completed, the move would mark Silva's return to Portuguese football after building a strong reputation in England over the past decade.
