22 May 2026 07:17 BST | 6 min read
Fabrizio Romano, Arne Slot, Ederson
© IMAGO
Robin Bairner
Robin Bairner | Chief Editor
Accredited football journalist and editor covering the game since 2006
Fabrizio Romano has revealed the latest behind-the-scenes transfer news as Arne Slot comes under increasing pressure at Liverpool, plus updates from Manchester United and the latest on a Chelsea legend.
Marco Silva beats Amorim to Benfica job
Jose Mourinho’s impending move to Real Madrid from Benfica is set to cause a domino effect in the transfer market, with Ruben Amorim now expected to be beaten to the soon-to-be-vacant role in Portugal by Marco Silva.
Romano explained: “Ruben Amorim has been in the middle of the rumours in recent days because we know that Jose Mourinho is going to Real Madrid. So obviously Benfica are looking for a new manager, with Mourinho joining next week. Remember, three-year contract, and Mourinho signing next week at Real Madrid after the Real Madrid-Athletic Bilbao game, so everything will be made official in the next days.
“But on the Benfica manager job, Ruben Amorim has been linked with Benfica. But Amorim has been very clear on this. Amorim loves the work in Portugal now. One day in his career, he plans to return to his country. But now Amorim plans to continue his career abroad, and so not in Portugal.
“So despite links with Benfica, at the moment nothing is really happening between Amorim and Benfica.
Ruben Amorim: No interest in Benfica job
© IMAGO - Ruben Amorim: No interest in Benfica job
“And for Benfica, remember the name of Marco Silva.
“It was a name I mentioned here already when we shared the news about Jose Mourinho a few weeks ago. I said that Marco Silva was the favourite to become the next Benfica head coach.
“His job at Fulham has been excellent. He’s really, really appreciated by people at Benfica and so, at the moment, he’s the front-runner to become the next coach replacing Jose Mourinho.”
Slot faces Liverpool review as Iraola in the frame
Liverpool have shown patience with manager Arne Slot during a disappointing season, but the Dutchman faces an internal review at the end of the season as pressure builds on the club to move in a different direction.
Romano said: “I absolutely confirm that there will be an end-of-season review at Liverpool. I can confirm that this will involve everyone at the club.
“I know there are many rumours about Arne Slot, what’s happening with Arne Slot. What I understand is that this week nothing is happening, but after this weekend, when Liverpool will obviously have a verdict on Champions League football, apart from Champions League football they will have an end-of-season review about absolutely everything.
“It talks about the manager, of course, but also, for example, there is Al-Hilal in Saudi really interested in Richard Hughes.
“My understanding is that Richard Hughes will lead Liverpool’s transfer window this summer and wants to focus on Liverpool, but interest from Saudi is genuine for the future.
“They are going to discuss the Arne Slot situation, they’re going to discuss some players, some contracts expiring, so several things to clarify.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot with Mo Salah
© IMAGO - Liverpool manager Arne Slot with Mo Salah
“I think this is absolutely normal because in case Liverpool decide to change their mind compared to what they did so far. They never approached Xabi Alonso or other any other managers.
“But if the end-of-season review is going to be: ‘OK, we decide to part ways with the manager’, eventually Andoni Iraola could be a candidate.
“He used to work with Richard Hughes already at Bournemouth. He’s one of the most appreciated managers in England right now, doing an incredible job at Bournemouth. So for sure Iraola would be a candidate.
“He’s going to leave Bournemouth, we know that. He has an offer from Crystal Palace, but still nothing signed because Iraola wants to understand which could be the best option possible for him.
“He also had a proposal from another country, not England, but at the moment Iraola is giving priority to English football and Premier League football.”
Man Utd on Ederson alert
Manchester United are seeking at least two midfield signings this summer, and one of the players they are linked with has confirmed he will be on the move.
Romano explains: “Ederson communicated this week to Atalanta that he’s not going to sign a new contract.
“His current deal expires in summer 2027, so obviously it’s a big opportunity for an important midfielder.
“Then, I’m not saying that Manchester United are only going for Ederson. The understanding is that Manchester United are in contact with his camp and are aware of the situation.
“Not signing a new deal means that Ederson is leaving Atalanta this summer, definitely.
“So the communication has arrived, Manchester United are informed, but Manchester United have several names on their shortlist for midfield.
“Ederson is one of them. Ederson is one of the easiest options they have on this list, again because his contract is expiring and he’s not going to sign a new deal despite it running until 2027. And also because Ederson would be very keen on a move to Manchester United.
“But at the moment, again, he’s not the only one, and there are plenty of options.
Thiago Silva’s future in doubt
After missing out on Brazil’s World Cup squad, former Chelsea and PSG defender Thiago Silva is considering his options after declaring he will leave Porto.
“Let’s see what happens with Thiago Silva because today is an important day,” Romano said.
“Legend of the game, Thiago Silva announced that he’s going to leave Porto. So Thiago Silva is going to be available again as a free agent.
“Now it’s on Thiago to decide whether he wants to try another chapter in his career, another club, or maybe retire.
“My understanding is that Thiago is a little bit hurt from what happened previously with the Brazilian national team. Obviously, he was dreaming of the opportunity to be in the World Cup.
“He was in the pre-list of Carlo Ancelotti, then he was not called in the final list. So it’s a bit sad, but it’s part of football, obviously.
“Not bad feelings towards the national team, not at all, or towards Ancelotti. It’s part of the game.
“But Thiago Silva will now consider what to do, whether he wants to continue in football or not.”
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Robin Bairner
Written by
Robin Bairner is an eminent digital football journalist who has been writing about the sport for major global publishers since 2006, specialising in Ligue 1 and Scottish football. He has been chief editor of the FootballTransfers global edition since its launch in 2020. Previously Bairner had been a key member of the editorial team which helped Goal.com become the world’s biggest football website. He covered multiple major competitions as a correspondent for Goal including the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he had the opportunity to work in Fortaleza. Among his highlights of the competition was Brazil’s quarter-final victory over Colombia.
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