Marco Silva has reached an agreement to take over as the new head coach of Benfica, marking a major managerial shift for both the Portuguese giants and Premier League side Fulham. The 48‑year‑old will sign a contract running until June 2028, with an option to extend to 2029, as Benfica move to launch a new competitive cycle.
Silva is understood to have accepted a reduced salary compared to his Fulham deal, prioritizing the opportunity to return home and compete for major titles. His appointment has been strongly backed by club president Rui Costa and sporting director Mário Branco, who identified Silva as their top target for the role.
The move brings Silva back to Portugal for the first time in 10 years, following successful spells abroad with Olympiacos, Hull City, Watford, Everton and Fulham. During his time in London, he guided Fulham to Premier League promotion and established them as a stable top‑flight side known for their structured, attacking football.
Benfica are expected to officially announce the appointment once final paperwork is completed. Silva will be tasked with restoring domestic dominance and pushing for deeper European campaigns as the club prepares for a new era.