Fulham are still waiting for Marco Silva’s final decision, but Thursday’s Portuguese newspapers make the situation look increasingly difficult for the London club…
The manager is now in Lisbon, Benfica talks are advancing, and the proposal at the Estádio da Luz is becoming clearer. There is still no final agreement, and there is no “white smoke” yet, but the direction of travel is obvious.
Record, A Bola and O Jogo all report that Silva arrived in Portugal on Wednesday night. He is actually there, with Benfica hoping to move things towards a decision.
The Fulham manager has spoken to the London club about their renewal offer. According to A Bola, he wanted to understand their investment plans for the squad after a season in which many of his transfer wishes were not met.
Fulham have offered money, security and a new contract. However, the question for Silva has always been whether the project can grow enough.
Benfica talks move forward
Record say Rui Costa is now in advanced talks over Silva’s appointment.
There is no closed agreement, and that needs saying clearly. Still, the newspaper explains the structure currently on the table.
Benfica are offering a two-year deal, with an optional third season. O Jogo report the same structure and say the process could move quickly by Friday. That is also when the Mourinho situation may reach an important point.
José Mourinho remains under contract at Benfica, and his expected move to Real Madrid continues to hold up the whole process. Until his exit is formalised, Silva is likely to remain in the background.
Record believe that is the most likely scenario, despite the advances made in recent hours.
Marco Silva prepared to take lower salary
Record report that Marco Silva accepts earning less than he would receive at Fulham in order to manage Benfica, as previous reports suggested.
Also, Fulham have tried to keep Silva with a four-year renewal offer and several benefits. However, Record say the London club’s project does not appear to have been enough to convince him.
A Bola add that Benfica are prepared to offer around €5m (£4.2m) net per season, possibly with a signing bonus because Silva is available without a compensation fee.
That figure is lower than Fulham’s package. It is also below what Mourinho would have earned had he stayed at Benfica.
Fulham cycle looks close to ending
Record also bring one symbolic detail from England. Silva’s coaching staff are no longer working at Fulham this week. That does not confirm an exit on its own, but it adds to the sense of a cycle reaching its end.
Silva has spent five seasons with the London club. A Bola describe them as positive years which opened several doors for him.
Yet the manager now appears to be weighing whether Fulham have reached their ceiling under him.
The Portuguese club can offer status, pressure and the chance to lead a rebuild. Silva is said to be sensitive to their interest, even though he still needs to formally say yes or no to Fulham.
Mourinho still delaying everything
The Mourinho situation remains the main obstacle. A Bola report Silva is fully informed about the position of the Benfica manager. Mourinho will move to Real Madrid if Florentino Pérez wins the club’s elections, scheduled for June 7th.
By Friday, the €7m (£5.9m) reduced clause linked to Mourinho’s exit expires. After that, either Mourinho or Real Madrid would need to pay €15m (£12.7m) to terminate the contract.
A Bola say it is impossible to ignore the wear this situation may cause Mourinho himself.
O Jogo also point out that Florentino Pérez announced his presidential candidacy without mentioning Mourinho as Real Madrid’s future coach.
So Benfica are acting like Mourinho will leave, while still having no formal exit. That is why Silva’s move cannot yet be fully completed.
Decision getting closer
Marco Silva cancelled his planned appearance at the IV Conferência Bola Branca today, with Portuguese Rádio Renascença told it was for agenda reasons.
O Jogo say Jorge Mendes, who represents both Silva and Mourinho, is accelerating the process. The newspaper believe both managerial dossiers could be resolved by Friday.
In the end, Fulham’s offer has not been formally rejected, and there is no final white smoke from Lisbon. Still, Silva is in Portugal, Benfica’s offer is taking shape, and the manager appears open to accepting less money for a different challenge.
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