Fulham may now have Benfica’s own uncertainty working in their favour as Marco Silva prepares for a key meeting over his future.
The Portuguese manager has a major renewal offer from the London club, but he is also expected in Lisbon today as Benfica try to move the situation closer to a decision. The problem for the Portuguese side is that they still cannot offer him full clarity.
That is the main development from Wednesday’s newspapers in Portugal.
Correio da Manhã, A Bola and Record all present Silva as Benfica’s priority target. However, they also make it clear the dragged-out José Mourinho situation is now creating problems for the Lisbon club.
According to Correio da Manhã, the uncertainty over Mourinho’s expected exit has caused concern inside Benfica. The issue was even discussed in a Monday meeting between Rui Costa and the club’s football structure.
If Benfica take too long, leading coaches may start stepping away from the situation.
Marco Silva wants more Benfica clarity
Correio da Manhã say Marco Silva has an important meeting with Fulham on Thursday.
That is significant because Fulham have placed a four-year renewal offer on the table, with an annual salary of around €7.5m (£6.3m) net. That is a serious proposal, and Benfica cannot compete with those numbers directly.
The newspaper adds that Silva would like to go into that Fulham meeting with more concrete information about Benfica.
From Fulham’s perspective, Benfica’s delay could help. Silva is interested in the Lisbon challenge, but he still needs certainty around Mourinho’s future, the sporting project and the conditions he would be walking into.
A Bola say Silva is expected in Lisbon today and should intensify contacts with Benfica in the coming days.
Silva has already said in England that his decision will be known by the end of the week. A Bola repeat that he remains open to either continuing at Fulham or leaving after five seasons.
Benfica have momentum and a problem
A Bola state the 48-year-old manager is receptive to the project. The challenge at the Estádio da Luz is described as seductive, and Benfica are prepared to make a significant financial effort within Portuguese football’s reality.
The proposal being prepared by Rui Costa’s board is unlikely to match Premier League money. However, it would include a long-term contract, which is one of Silva’s demands.
Even so, Benfica’s problem remains Mourinho. The current manager still has one year left on his contract. A Bola say the possibility of him leaving for Real Madrid is gaining strength, but nothing is settled yet.
Benfica cannot formally advance while that remains unresolved.
Limbo may push options away
Correio da Manhã go further on the damage this could cause. They say there is internal fear at Benfica that this limbo may push potential candidates away.
The issue is that whoever arrives could be made to feel like a second choice because the club are still waiting on Mourinho. That is already having an effect.
The newspaper says some coaches have become wary because of the uncertainty. Others, even without direct contact, have already taken the initiative to say no, including Jorge Jesus and Ruben Amorim.
That gives Fulham another possible advantage. If Silva feels Benfica cannot give him enough guarantees before his Fulham meeting, he may decide the safer route is to stay in England.
Record say Benfica are still working
Record’s front-page report adds another layer. They say Rui Costa and Mário Branco are not standing still while they wait for Mourinho’s future to be resolved. Benfica are already working on possible transfer targets and have contacts underway.
The aim is to move quickly once the new manager is confirmed.
Record say Benfica want to be able to announce signings only a few days after naming their coach. That urgency is partly because their season starts earlier than expected, on July 23rd.
Record add that Benfica do not expect many changes, but they are assessing approaches for players already in the squad. A major sale will be needed because of financial pressure after missing out on Champions League qualification.
Still, the new manager will have a say in those decisions. That is why the delay matters so much.
Milan route looks less threatening
A Bola also bring one useful detail from outside the Benfica-Fulham battle.
Marco Silva had been linked with Milan, but Gazzetta dello Sport now point to Andoni Iraola as the main candidate for the Italian club.
According to A Bola’s summary, Iraola has already met Milan owner Gerry Cardinale, with a final decision expected within a week.
Iraola had also been linked with Benfica, but this development makes Milan look less like a direct threat for Silva.
So for now, the battle remains between Fulham and Benfica.
Be the first to comment