Benfica are preparing for the possibility of losing manager José Mourinho to Real Madrid, with Fulham's Marco Silva emerging as the primary replacement target. The Portuguese giants have identified Silva as the ideal successor should Mourinho, as expected, agree to return to the Bernabéu for a second spell.
Mourinho, 63, took over at Benfica last September and has the club second in the Primeira Liga, trailing Porto. However, Real Madrid have made him their preferred choice to lead them next season, and talks have already taken place. Benfica are reluctant to lose him but recognize the need for a contingency plan.
Silva, 48, has been at Fulham since 2021, guiding them back to the Premier League in 2022 and establishing them as a mid-table side. Despite their stability, Fulham have failed to mount a serious push for European qualification. A move to Benfica would offer Silva the opportunity to compete in the Champions League, a factor that could sway his decision.
Fulham have offered Silva a new contract in an attempt to keep him, but he has yet to commit. The Cottagers are aware of the interest from Lisbon and from Chelsea, who also have Silva on their shortlist as they search for a permanent replacement for Liam Rosenior.
Chelsea's managerial hunt is complex. While Silva is an option, the club's ideal candidate is Xabi Alonso, who has been out of work since being dismissed by Real Madrid this season. Alonso led Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title in 2024 and is believed to prefer his next job in England. Chelsea have been monitoring him for years, but Liverpool could also enter the race if they part ways with Arne Slot.
Beyond Silva and Alonso, Chelsea have looked at Andoni Iraola, who is leaving Bournemouth, and Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner, who is also set to depart. Palace themselves want Iraola. Chelsea have also considered their former left-back Filipe Luís, who is waiting for his next role after leaving Flamengo. Luís was in the frame before Rosenior replaced Enzo Maresca in January.
For Benfica, the situation is more straightforward. They want to keep Mourinho, but the allure of Real Madrid may prove irresistible. Mourinho's previous stint at Madrid from 2010 to 2013 included a La Liga title and a Copa del Rey, and he remains a popular figure among the club's hierarchy. A return would mark a dramatic comeback for the veteran coach.
Silva's potential departure would leave a significant void at Fulham. He has been instrumental in their recent success, and his exit could disrupt their plans for next season. The club will hope to persuade him to stay, but the pull of Champions League football and a return to his native Portugal may be too strong.
Meanwhile, Benfica's pursuit of Silva underscores the club's ambition to remain competitive at the top level. Losing Mourinho would be a blow, but landing a manager of Silva's caliber would signal continuity. The coming weeks will be crucial as both Benfica and Chelsea await decisions from their respective targets.
Based on reporting from The Guardian.
