Portuguese coach weighing Fulham renewal against potential move to Lisbon
Benfica are preparing to respond quickly to Marco Silva’s conditions and expectations as they attempt to secure the Portuguese coach as their next manager.
The Lisbon club see Silva as their preferred option to replace José Mourinho, whose expected move to Real Madrid is reportedly already agreed in principle and likely to be announced after the Spanish club’s presidential elections on 7 June.
Financial gap remains significant
According to current figures, Fulham are offering Marco Silva a highly lucrative renewal package that would keep him in the Premier League until 2030.
The English club’s proposal is valued at around €7.5 million net per season, placing the total package at approximately €30 million over the duration of the contract.
Benfica, meanwhile, are reportedly prepared to go up to €5 million net per season, a figure still below Fulham’s offer.
However, the Portuguese club are expected to try to close the gap through performance-related bonuses and signing incentives.
Benfica offer sporting control role
Despite the financial disparity, Benfica are confident they can still persuade Silva by offering him a central role in squad planning and transfer strategy.
The coach is said to be in regular contact with Benfica officials and is aware of the club’s sporting project, as well as the budget limitations caused by the absence of Champions League qualification.
Silva is also known to have a close professional relationship with Mário Branco, with whom he previously worked at Estoril.
Jorge Mendes coordinating negotiations
Agent Jorge Mendes is reportedly involved in both Benfica’s coaching search and broader high-profile managerial movements across Europe, helping facilitate discussions between the relevant parties.
In the case of Mourinho’s anticipated Real Madrid return, sources suggest an informal agreement is already in place. The Marco Silva negotiations, however, remain more complex and require further progress.
Decision still open
Marco Silva, currently at Fulham since 2021, is said to be carefully considering his future while receiving advice from different sides.
While he is open to the Benfica project, he is not prepared to accept any offer unconditionally, with both sporting ambition and financial stability playing key roles in his decision.
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