Benfica have sealed a deal with former Fulham boss Marco Silva to take over from José Mourinho, sources told ESPN. Silva departs London after five seasons, signing a two-year contract with an optional third year. The Portuguese club will confirm the appointment next week, timing it after Sunday’s Real Madrid presidential vote.

Mourinho’s exit follows a disappointing campaign; despite an unbeaten league run, Benfica finished third and missed Champions League qualification. He remains under contract until 2027, but Real Madrid has been warned it would owe Benfica €15 million to release him should Florentino Pérez win the election and bring the coach back to the Bernabéu.

Silva arrives with a proven record of stabilising clubs. He guided Fulham to promotion in his first season and kept the side in the Premier League with four consecutive mid‑table finishes, peaking at 54 points in 2024‑25. His résumé also includes spells at Sporting CP, Olympiacos, Hull City, Watford and Everton.

Benfica’s board hopes Silva can convert recent cup disappointment into a league push, while Mourinho’s potential return adds pressure on both clubs. If Pérez secures the presidency, Madrid will likely activate the €15 million clause, leaving Benfica to replace a high‑profile coach with a manager accustomed to rebuilding squads.