Marco Silva has confirmed his Fulham departure after five years, with the Portuguese coach closing in on a move to Benfica.
Marco Silva has confirmed he will leave Fulham this summer, bringing an end to a successful five-year spell at Craven Cottage. The Portuguese coach is now closing in on a move to Benfica, where he is expected to replace Jose Mourinho.
The 48-year-old departs having transformed Fulham from a Championship side into an established Premier League club. His exit marks the end of one of the most stable managerial eras in the club's recent history.
Silva announced his decision in an open letter to supporters on Tuesday. His contract was due to expire at the end of June, and uncertainty had surrounded his future for several months. The Fulham boss thanked fans for their unwavering support during his tenure. He said the club would always hold a special place in his heart and hinted that he hopes to return to Craven Cottage in the future.
His departure comes despite Fulham offering him a new three-year contract. Discussions over a renewal failed to produce an agreement, paving the way for his anticipated return to Portuguese football.
Silva arrived at Fulham in 2021 following previous Premier League spells with Hull City, Watford and Everton. His impact was immediate as he guided the club to the Championship title in his first season. That promotion campaign delivered Fulham's first league title in 21 years. More importantly, it laid the foundations for a sustained Premier League presence after years of promotion and relegation struggles.
Under Silva, Fulham recorded top-flight finishes of 10th, 13th, 11th and 11th. The club also achieved a record Premier League points tally of 54 during the 2024-25 campaign.
Fulham ended the 2025-26 season in 11th place after a strong final-day victory over Newcastle United. The 2-0 win proved to be Silva's final match in charge. For much of the campaign, Fulham appeared capable of challenging for European qualification. However, inconsistent results during the closing weeks saw them slip down the table.
Despite missing out on continental football, Silva leaves with the best Premier League win percentage of any Fulham manager. He also departs having recorded 58 top-flight victories, another club benchmark.
Reports suggest negotiations between Silva and Benfica have accelerated in recent days. An agreement is believed to be close, with the Lisbon giants seeking a replacement for Mourinho after his move to Real Madrid.
The appointment would represent a return to Portugal for Silva, who previously managed Sporting CP. Benfica view him as an experienced coach capable of competing domestically and in European competition. His reputation has grown significantly during his time in England. Consistent overachievement on a modest budget has enhanced his standing among Europe's leading clubs.
Owner Shahid Khan paid tribute to Silva's contribution and confirmed succession plans are already underway. He expressed confidence that Fulham remain an attractive destination for prospective candidates.
Attention will now turn to the search for Silva's replacement. The new manager will inherit a stable Premier League squad and a club determined to push higher up the table. While change is never easy, Silva leaves Fulham in a far stronger position than when he arrived. His legacy is likely to endure long after his expected move to Benfica is completed.
