Fulham are entering the decisive phase of the Marco Silva saga. Portuguese reports are now claiming the manager is expected in Lisbon this week for talks with Benfica.
Until now, most of the movement had been indirect. Conversations through representatives, growing optimism at Benfica, and Fulham trying to convince Silva to stay.
Yesterday, we covered how the dynamic around José Mourinho could influence his situation. And fresh Tuesday reports suggest the situation is now becoming far more concrete.
According to A Bola, Silva is expected to be in Lisbon during the middle of the week and should hold a meeting with Benfica which could prove decisive for his future.
Silva now close to making decision
There is now broad agreement in Portugal that Marco Silva’s answer is coming very soon.
Record report the Fulham manager will decide his future no later than Thursday. The newspaper says Silva does not want the situation dragging on and will soon inform Fulham whether he intends to renew or leave.
After Fulham’s 2-0 win over Newcastle United at the weekend, Silva himself effectively confirmed the urgency around the process.
“It won’t go beyond this week,” he said, while also stressing he does not like to “feed soap operas”.
A Bola add another important detail. Silva could travel to Lisbon without a final decision already made and potentially use the meeting with Benfica to clarify the final points before deciding his next move.
So looks like a negotiation entering its final stage.
Benfica growing more confident
The tone in Portugal around Benfica’s chances feels stronger than before.
A Bola describe Silva as being “very tempted” by the possibility of taking over at Benfica, even while Fulham continue pressuring him with a major renewal proposal and promises about future investment.
That emotional aspect keeps appearing in the Portuguese coverage. After five years at Fulham and almost a decade coaching in England, Silva is clearly weighing two very different futures.
Benfica are also reportedly willing to make a major financial effort by Portuguese standards. The newspaper says Silva considers a long-term contract essential and Benfica are open to that structure, although there is still no final agreement.
The Mourinho situation continues hovering over everything, though. Benfica still officially have Mourinho under contract for another season and the uncertainty around his expected move to Real Madrid remains unresolved, as we covered yesterday.
A Bola again stress Benfica internally already act as though Mourinho is lost, but formally nothing is completed yet. That lingering uncertainty is still creating caution on Silva’s side.
Fulham still trying to convince Silva to stay
Fulham, meanwhile, are not backing down. The latest reports continue to insist the London club are pushing hard to keep Marco Silva and are trying to sell him a more ambitious future in the Premier League.
According to Record, Fulham’s renewal proposal would extend Silva’s deal by another four years and raise his salary to around €7.2m (£6.1m) net per season.
The same report says he currently earns around €5.8m (£4.9m), although bonuses can already push that figure towards €7.5m (£6.3m).
A Bola also reinforce that Fulham’s pitch is not just financial. The club continue promising investment in the squad and better conditions to compete for bigger objectives in the Premier League.
As we covered earlier, Portuguese reports have repeatedly suggested Silva felt frustrated by the level of investment last season and wanted stronger guarantees before committing long-term again.
Either way, Marco Silva is expected in Lisbon now. So we all should have an answer by the end of the week.