Everton and Fulham could yet see a familiar face return to the Premier League, with Hugo Oliveira now being tipped for a future in England after his work at Famalicão.
The Portuguese coach is building positive momentum in his first senior role. That progress has not gone unnoticed back in England, where he previously had spells within the coaching structures at both clubs, plus Watford and Hull City.
There is a growing feeling that Oliveira has the tools to make the jump to the Premier League. And that view is not coming from nowhere.
Former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic, who worked closely with Oliveira in Benfica, has offered a strong endorsement of the 41-year-old’s potential.
Full backing from Matic
Nemanja Matic did not hold back when speaking about Hugo Oliveira to Portuguese outlet O Jogo. The Serbian midfielder offered a detailed and personal insight into the coach’s qualities, drawing from both their time as teammates and later as opponents.
“We always had an incredible relationship. He is an excellent person, a very good professional and I’m not surprised he is doing such a good job, given the experiences he has had”, he said.
“I am really happy for the career he is building. As a friend, it is always good to have him around because he is a very positive person. You never hear anything negative coming from him.”
Matic also explained how important Oliveira was early in his own career, especially during his adaptation period in Portugal.
“When I was with him at Benfica, he helped me a lot with adaptation. At that time, I didn’t speak Portuguese and he was a great support because he spoke English very well”, he explained.
“When I was a young player, he was very important in advising me on what I could improve in my game and what I could expect. He had a lot of experience, gave a lot of very good advice and was a big support.”
Even after their time together ended, the relationship remained intact, including when they faced each other in England.
“As opponents, we never stopped getting along well.”
Matic also highlighted traits that go beyond coaching drills and tactics.
“In addition to his professionalism, he reads people very well and has all the abilities to achieve great things.”
Hugo Oliveira’s trajectory points upwards
Hugo Oliveira arrived at Famalicão in a difficult situation. The club were struggling at the time, and expectations were limited.
However, results quickly improved. The team are now pushing for a place in European competition, which would mark a major achievement for the club. That progression is a key part of the narrative highlighted in Portugal.
“At the beginning, when he arrived at Famalicão, given the position they were in, it was not easy. But then the work he did became clear to everyone.”
Oliveira recently renewed his contract, despite interest from other clubs. That suggests stability for now, but also underlines how quickly his reputation is growing.
Premier League return already being discussed
Hugo Oliveira’s past spells at Everton and Fulham give this story a natural Premier League angle. He already understands the environment and demands of English football.
Matic believes a return is not just possible, but likely at some point.
“He worked with many coaches and now he is the main one. I see him coaching in the Premier League, why not?”, he said.
He has the ability, he is a very intelligent person and what he has been doing does not surprise me. I am not surprised and I truly believe he will go very far.”
Obviously Hugo Oliveira is still early in his managerial career, but his work at Famalicão has turned him into one of the more interesting Portuguese coaches outside the traditional top clubs.
And for Everton and Fulham, the connection is already there. That familiarity could become relevant if opportunities arise.
For now, Oliveira continues to build his case in Portugal. If results hold and interest grows, a move to England may not be far away.