Benfica are targeting Marco Silva as a replacement for Jose Mourinho if the 63-year-old elects to take the Real Madrid job this summer.
Benfica are set to target Marco Silva to replace Jose Mourinho if he returns to Real Madrid this summer.
There have been significant rumours linking Mourinho to the Bernabeu, with Alvaro Arbeloa’s stint turning into an unmitigated disaster.
Mourinho previously managed at Real Madrid and is considered by the club’s president Florentino Perez to be the exact man to control the egos of the squad.
The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss returned to his first club Benfica after 25 years in September and signed a two-year contract.
He previously denied that he had spoken to Perez or Real Madrid but did not rule out a move in the summer.
Various sources have said he is the primary source to take the role at the Bernabeu, which would leave Benfica once again searching for a new manager.
According to Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol, if Mourinho does go to Madrid, Marco Silva will be the man they look to take the reins.
He said: “Benfica will target Fulham boss Marco Silva if Jose Mourinho becomes the new Real Madrid head coach.
“Silva's Fulham future is up in the air with his contract due to expire at the end of the season.
“The 48-year-old is a Chelsea managerial target with Silva on a Blues shortlist, which also includes Xabi Alonso and Andoni Iraola.
“But it has emerged that Silva is a potential target for Benfica if Mourinho returns to Real Madrid.
“Mourinho has denied reports that he is in talks with Real president Florentino Perez over a potential return to the club.
“But if the 63-year-old departs Portuguese side Benfica, then Silva
could be lined up for a return to his homeland.”
Silva has not signed a contract with Fulham that was put to him in the Autumn that would keep him at the club for another three seasons.
Silva joined Fulham in 2021 and took them from the Championship into the Premier League, where they have settled in the mid-table region for four straight seasons.
He previously managed at former club Estoril and at Sporting when in Portugal and could return to his homeland to take on his third job there.
Silva remains on Chelsea’s shortlist, though and could yet make the short move from Craven Cottage to Stamford Bridge this summer, although the Blues’ timescale to seek a new manager is unknown.
Either way, with Fulham now extremely unlikely to be in Europe next season and with more and more clubs looking to swoop in and secure Silva’s services, a stay at Fulham is looking increasingly unlikely.