Former Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa has been officially unveiled as the newest Premier League manager on three-year deal, returning to Anfield in the first weeks of the season
08:36, 08 Jul 2026Updated 08:36, 08 Jul 2026
Alvaro Arbeloa during Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao in May 2026.
Alvaro Arbeloa during Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao in May 2026.(Image: M Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Former Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa has officially been unveiled as the newest manager in the Premier League, taking over from Marco Silva at Fulham.
After five years in charge, Silva moved to Benfica a few weeks ago to take on a new challenge, while Arbeloa was available having been let go by Real Madrid, where he stood in for Xabi Alonso, who was fired at the turn of the year, in the second half of last season.
This is his first appointment as a permanent head coach rather than an interim, which is what he essentially was at the Bernabeu. He was a highly rated coach in the Real Madrid youth set-up.
Arbeloa is tied down to a contract until 2029 at Craven Cottage. He is already being linked with moves for some Real Madrid players, including Franco Mastantuono.
"It is a real honor for me to be embarking on this new stage at Fulham FC, the oldest club in London," Arbeloa said.
"I feel a great sense of responsibility and I'm deeply grateful to Mr. Khan and Tony Khan for the trust they have placed in me with Fulham in the Premier League.
"I am really looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere at Craven Cottage with Fulham fans and beginning pre-season with the players next week.
Alvaro Arbeloa head coach of Real Madrid prior the LaLiga EA Sports match between Sevilla FC and Real Madrid CF
Former Liverpool ace Alvaro Arbeloa is set to join Fulham this summer(Image: (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images))
"I am sure we are going to enjoy an incredible journey together. Come on Fulham!"
Arbeloa will return to Anfield in the first few weeks of the season, with Fulham set to take on Liverpool on the second weekend in September.
Fulham owner Shahid Khan, who also owns the Jacksonville Jaguars, added: "Alvaro was an original candidate who built an exceptional case through our meetings in June to become our next head coach.
"It quickly became quite clear that he was — and is — the right choice.
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"I am delighted that Alvaro has accepted the challenge to push Fulham forward, and I have no doubt that our squad, staff and fans will resonate with what his appointment means for the present and future of our Club.
"Alvaro is, by his own admission, very ambitious. He has spent quality time around the best players, clubs and methods in the game, experiences which will serve him well here at Fulham.
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"Alvaro also has great interest in our academy set-up and believes in giving young players a chance. I loved hearing that from Alvaro, as well as his intent on playing attacking football.
"All of this and a lot more makes Alvaro Arbeloa an ideal fit to lead Fulham Football Club into the upcoming Premier League season and beyond."