Fulham have officially confirmed that head coach Marco Silva will leave Fulham when his contract expires at the end of this month to join Primeira Liga giants Benfica. Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that both parties have reached an agreement on the move, with the Portuguese set to succeed José Mourinho in charge of the team.
Five-year Premier League journey comes to an end
Silva spent five seasons in charge at Craven Cottage, guiding the club to four consecutive mid-table finishes in the Premier League and helping them consolidate their place in the top flight. The club had already anticipated his contract expiring at the end of the season, so his departure this summer comes as no surprise. Fulham also released an open letter from Silva to supporters, in which he described Fulham as "like a family," thanked owner Shahid Khan and the management team of Tony and Alistair for their support, and paid tribute to the backroom staff, players and fans.
Silva wrote in the letter: "From day one, I wanted you to be with us every step of the way, and over the past five years you have done exactly that. Fulham will always be in my heart, and sooner or later I will return to Craven Cottage."
Romano: Deal done, pay cut to chase titles
Romano announced "Here we go" on social media, stating that Silva has signed with Benfica until June 2028, with an option to extend until 2029. Reports indicate he took a pay cut in his bid to compete for titles, returning to Portugal after a decade in England, having won the backing of both Rui Costa and Mário Branco. At Benfica, Silva will succeed the departed José Mourinho.
End-of-season record and impact of the managerial change
According to the site's fixture data, Fulham's last six Premier League rounds of the 2025-26 season produced two wins, two draws and two defeats: Matchday 33 away 0-0, Matchday 34 home 1-0, Matchday 35 away 0-3, Matchday 36 home 0-1, Matchday 37 away 1-1, Matchday 38 home 2-0. Overall, the record still fits Silva's profile of "comfortable mid-table survival," though the late-season dips also serve as a reminder that the incoming head coach will need to rebuild the team's form.
Fulham owner Shahid Khan said Silva’s five years in charge were “a very good fit,” but change is inevitable in football and the club was ready for this moment. For Fulham, the managerial change window overlapping with the natural end of his contract should help ensure a smooth transition; for Benfica, bringing in Silva—who knows the Primeira Liga and has four years of Premier League experience—is a pragmatic choice to manage risk within their title-chasing framework.
Fulham’s next focus will be the new head coach and summer squad reshuffle. Supporters can keep an eye on official club announcements; on Benfica’s side, Silva’s formal unveiling and the preseason schedule will be another major storyline this summer.
