Marco Silva is reportedly preparing to leave Fulham this summer after deciding against signing a new contract at Craven Cottage, with Benfica now pushing to appoint the Portuguese coach.
According to A Bola, Silva has already rejected the possibility of taking charge at Nottingham Forest despite reported interest from Evangelos Marinakis, who previously worked with the manager during their successful period together at Olympiacos.
Instead, Benfica have emerged as the clear favourites to secure Silva as they prepare for a major managerial change of their own.
Benfica moving quickly amid Jose Mourinho uncertainty
The Portuguese giants are reportedly accelerating plans for Silva’s arrival as uncertainty continues surrounding Jose Mourinho’s future.
A Bola state there is now a “prevailing conviction” inside Benfica that Mourinho will leave the club and return to Real Madrid this summer. Benfica are therefore working behind the scenes to ensure a replacement is lined up quickly if that departure becomes official.
Silva has reportedly already held “intense contacts” with Benfica officials and is said to have responded positively to the proposal.
The report also claims Fulham’s current contract renewal offer will be rejected, effectively ending Silva’s four-year spell in west London.
That development would mark a significant moment for Fulham after one of the club’s most stable and successful Premier League periods in recent history.
Marco Silva transformed Fulham during Premier League return
Since arriving in 2021, Silva has rebuilt Fulham into an established Premier League side after guiding them back to the top flight in his first season.
Having followed Fulham closely throughout Silva’s tenure, one of the most impressive aspects of his work has been the consistency he brought to a club that previously struggled to maintain momentum after promotion campaigns.
Under Silva, Fulham became far more tactically flexible, physically competitive and reliable against stronger opposition. The Portuguese coach also helped improve the value and development of several key players during his time at Craven Cottage.
| Marco Silva at Fulham | Record |
|---|---|
| Appointed | 2021 |
| Promotion seasons | 1 |
| Premier League survival | 4 seasons |
| Highest PL finish | Top-half finish |
source: club competition data – 15 May 2026
His growing reputation has regularly attracted interest from elsewhere, but this now appears to be the clearest indication yet that Silva feels his Fulham cycle is approaching its natural conclusion.
However, Benfica still cannot formally finalise matters until Mourinho’s own situation becomes clearer.
Nottingham Forest reunion not happening
The report also dismisses growing suggestions in England that Silva could reunite with Marinakis at Nottingham Forest.
Forest’s owner has reportedly admired Silva for several years following their time together in Greece, but the Fulham manager is said to have little interest in taking the role if it becomes available this summer.
That stance appears linked to Silva’s desire to return to Portugal and take charge of one of the country’s biggest clubs rather than continuing elsewhere in the Premier League.
Benfica president Rui Costa is reportedly keen to move quickly, with sporting structure discussions already taking place behind the scenes. The presence of Mario Branco — who previously worked alongside Silva at Estoril — is also viewed as an important factor in negotiations.
From Benfica’s perspective, securing Silva early would allow the club to begin restructuring plans for next season before the summer window fully opens.
Still, much depends on Mourinho’s next move and whether Real Madrid formally complete their expected managerial change.
Key Points
- Marco Silva is expected to leave Fulham this summer
- Benfica want Silva to replace Jose Mourinho
- Mourinho is reportedly heading back to Real Madrid
- Silva will reject Nottingham Forest if approached
- Fulham’s contract renewal proposal is expected to be declined
What’s next
Benfica are expected to intensify talks with Marco Silva once Jose Mourinho’s future is officially resolved. Portuguese reports suggest developments could move quickly over the coming days.
Fulham would then face a major managerial search ahead of the new Premier League season, while Nottingham Forest may need to look elsewhere if they make a coaching change themselves.
Silva’s next decision could shape not only Benfica’s summer rebuild, but also managerial movement across both Portugal and the Premier League.
Would Marco Silva leaving Fulham rank among the biggest managerial losses in the Premier League this summer?
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