The 48-year-old, who is departing Craven Cottage “this summer”, has not revealed his next destination, but Silva has been heavily linked with Portuguese giants Benfica.

His five-year tenure had made Silva the third longest serving boss in the Premier League, and fifth longest in the top four divisions.

We can confirm that Marco Silva will leave his role as Head Coach at Fulham this summer.

It’s a position that Silva has held for five years – a spell which was laden with success.

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) June 2, 2026

In an open letter to Fulham supporters, Silva said: “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.

“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 potential move to Benfica, who finished third in the Portuguese top flight this season, would see him replace Jose Mourinho, who is widely reported to be on his way back to Real Madrid for a second spell.

It has also been reported that Mourinho’s official appointment could be delayed by upcoming presidential elections at Real this weekend.

In a statement, Fulham owner Shahid Khan said the club will appoint “a new leader in a timely but deliberate manner, who will meet the standards of our club and expectations of our fans throughout the world.”

Silva guided the Cottagers to their first league title in 21 years when they won the Championship in 2021-22, his first season, to seal promotion back to the Premier League, then secured a top-half finish in the following campaign.

Fulham head coach Marco Silva celebrates with the Championship trophy Marco Silva celebrates with the Championship trophy in 2022 (John Walton/PA)

Silva also steered Fulham to their record Premier League points tally, 54 in 2025, as well as four quarter-finals across domestic cup competitions, taking them all the way to the Carabao Cup semi-finals in 2024.

Khan added: “Marco Silva leaves our club with my gratitude and best wishes. Fulham and Marco were an excellent fit for five seasons, but change is inevitable in this game, and we’ve accordingly prepared for this moment.

“The talent in our squad, our historic home ground of Craven Cottage, our faithful supporters, and my commitment to backing the club, all make Fulham an extraordinarily attractive destination for an incoming head coach.”

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