Fulham's slide from European hopefuls to mid-table has left Marco Silva questioning the club's direction. One win in six games caps a season where missed chances, questionable VAR calls, and a costly red card against Bournemouth derailed their campaign. Silva admits last summer was a critical moment for recruitment decisions after letting key players leave following promotion.

The Portuguese manager will meet Fulham's hierarchy next week to decide his future. He insists no contact has come from Benfica, but the Portuguese club's availability hangs over his decision. Silva will present an end-of-season report outlining where the squad needs strengthening, and whether the board commits enough could sway his choice.

Spring collapses have become a third straight pattern. Fatigue is real, but Silva points to the squad's average age of 27.6, the joint-highest in the Premier League, as a structural problem despite bringing in younger players. "It frustrates me as it frustrates the fans," he said ahead of the final game against Newcastle.