Marco Silva leaves Fulham after five years following contract rejection

Marco Silva is leaving Fulham at the end of the season after five years in charge at Craven Cottage, having turned down the club’s final contract offer. The Portuguese coach is reportedly on the verge of being appointed Benfica manager, succeeding José Mourinho at the Estádio da Luz.

Negotiations over a new deal had stalled throughout the season, and Silva ultimately declined Fulham’s last proposal. His departure brings to a close a tenure in which he stabilised the west London club in the Premier League following their 2022 promotion.

In an open letter to supporters, Silva paid tribute to the club’s fanbase. “To our fans – I asked you, from day one, to always be with us. And that’s what you did these past five years. We achieved a lot together,” he wrote. “My staff and I always felt your support. It will never be forgotten. Fulham will always be in my heart, and sooner or later I will be back at Craven Cottage.”

Silva’s reported move to Benfica would represent a significant homecoming. The 47-year-old previously managed Sporting CP and Estoril in Portugal before embarking on a career in England that included spells at Hull City, Watford, and Everton prior to joining Fulham in 2021.

Fulham will now begin the search for a successor as they look to maintain the progress made under Silva’s management.