Marco Silva has signed a deal to become Benfica's head coach, ending his five‑year spell at Fulham when his contract expired last week. The 48‑year‑old will ink a contract through the 2027‑28 season with an option to extend to 2028‑29. Silva previously managed Hull City, Watford and Everton before returning to Portugal.

Benfica confirmed Jose Mourinho's exit as the club accepted Real Madrid's £13m compensation package to release the 63‑year‑old. Mourinho, who returned in September, guided the team to an unbeaten league campaign and a third‑place finish. His previous Real Madrid tenure produced a La Liga title, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup.

Silva inherits a squad that finished third yet remained unbeaten, giving him a platform to challenge Porto and Sporting for the title. His experience across England's top tiers could add tactical variety, while his familiarity with Portuguese football may ease the transition. Benfica will aim to convert the unbeaten run into a championship.

For Fulham, Silva's departure marks the end of his fourth English managerial stint, leaving the club to search for a successor ahead of the new season. Mourinho returns to the Bernabeu after a brief Portuguese interlude, giving Real Madrid a seasoned tactician as they prepare for next year’s Champions League campaign.