Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 03/06/26...

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Marco Silva to leave Fulham
The Club can confirm that Marco Silva will leave his role as Head Coach at Fulham this summer.

It's a position that Silva has held for five years – which had made him the third longest serving boss in the Premier League, and fifth longest in the Football League – a spell which was laden with success.

In an open letter to the supporters, Silva said: "To our fans – I asked you, from day one, to always be with us. And that's what you did these past five years. We achieved a lot together.

"My staff and I always felt your support. It will never be forgotten. Fulham will always be in my heart, and sooner or later I will be back at Craven Cottage."

Shahid Khan added: "Marco Silva leaves our Club with my gratitude and best wishes. Fulham and Marco were an excellent fit for five seasons, but change is inevitable in this game, and we've accordingly prepared for this moment.

"The talent in our squad, our historic home ground of Craven Cottage, our faithful supporters, and my commitment to backing the Club, all make Fulham an extraordinarily attractive destination for an incoming head coach.

"We will soon appoint a new leader in a timely but deliberate manner, who will meet the standards of our Club and expectations of our fans throughout the world."

After leading us to a first league title in 21 years – a campaign which saw us score 110 goals, including three 7-0 victories – Silva helped the Club re-establish itself in the Premier League.

Having twice previously gone straight back down following promotion, Fulham comfortably secured a top half finish in 2022/23 – a campaign that provided fans with their first victory over Chelsea in 17 years.

Earning a reputation as a Head Coach who was excellent at getting the best out of players, Silva led the Whites to three further mid-table finishes in the subsequent seasons.

His time at the helm has also seen the Club break our record Premier League points tally when the team accrued 54 in 2025, while he also led us to four Quarter-Finals across both domestic cup competitions, including a first ever appearance in the Carabao Cup Semi-Finals.

A fiercely passionate and relentlessly hard-working individual, Silva's impact on the landscape of Fulham will not be forgotten, and he is welcome back at the Cottage as our guest anytime.

Thank you, Marco.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/june/02/marco-silva-to-leave-fulham/

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An open letter from Marco Silva
A message from Marco Silva following the announcement that he will leave Fulham this month.

After five years, our journey together comes to an end. I leave with a feeling I was told when I first arrived – that Fulham Football Club is a family.

Thanks to Mr Khan, Tony and Alistair for their support and, above all, for the relationship we built.

Thank you for the great work of all the Club staff members behind the scenes.

The players will be left with great memories and moments that we shared together through our hard work.

Last, but not least, to our fans – I asked you from day one, to always be with us. And that's what you did these past five years. We achieved a lot together.

My staff and I always felt your support. It will never be forgotten.

Fulham will always be in my heart, and sooner or later I will be back at Craven Cottage.

- Marco



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/june/02/an-open-letter-from-marco-silva/

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Fulham, Leeds United in transfer tussle to sign Chidera Ejuke
Fulham and Leeds United are keen on signing 24-year-old Nigerian winger Chidera Ejuke from La Liga club Sevilla this summer.

According to an update by Spanish journalist Joel Mendez, Fulham and Leeds United are interested in Chidera Ejuke. The two Premier League clubs are eager to bolster their offensive unit by signing a wide attacker in the upcoming transfer window and have set their sights on the 24-year-old Sevilla winger.

However, Fulham and Leeds United are not alone in the battle for Ejuke's signature, as Mendez has revealed that Bayer Leverkusen and Sunderland are also keen on signing him. The Bundesliga giants, in particular, are "the most interested" in the player ahead of his possible summer exit.

Who is Chidera Ejuke?
Chidera Ejuke has been a journeyman since arriving in Europe nearly a decade ago. Born in Zaria, the 24-year-old spent most of his formative years in Nigeria before moving to Valeranga in March 2017. Since then, he has represented clubs in Norway, the Netherlands, Russia, Germany, Belgium, and Spain, joining Sevilla in July 2024.

The Nigerian international has been in and out of the starting lineup throughout his spell with Sevilla, and he managed only 1,016 minutes of game time in 29 outings across all competitions this term, chipping in with one goal and one assist. Despite limited minutes, Ejuke remains a target for several well-known clubs, including Fulham and Leeds United, this summer.

Why are Fulham and Leeds interested?
Fulham's interest in Chidera Ejuke is understandable. The Cottagers are in the market for a winger, as they remain in a difficult position over Harry Wilson's long-term future. The Welsh international has entered the final month of his contract, and a summer exit may be on the cards despite Fulham's reported desire to tie him to a new deal. So, they need a new winger, with Ejuke emerging as a viable target.

As for Leeds United, the Whites do not use a wide attacker in Daniel Farke's preferred 3-5-2 formation. However, Ejuke's ability to play centrally makes him an option worth considering, with his versatility making him an alternative to Brenden Aaronson, who essays a similar role in the final third.

Ejuke's technical ability and European pedigree make him a compelling option despite his inconsistent minutes at Sevilla. However, given Leverkusen's reported status as the front-runner, Fulham and Leeds have limited time to make their move.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/06/02/fulham-leeds-united-in-transfer-tussle-to-sign-chidera-ejuke/

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Fulham reveal when Marco Silva will leave head coach role as statement issued
Portuguese head coach leaves after five years in charge

Fulham have confirmed the imminent departure of Marco Silva as head coach.

Silva arrived in west London on July 1, 2021, meaning this five-year tenure had made him the third longest serving boss in the Premier League, and fifth longest in the top four divisions.

During his spell, Silva oversaw promotion from the Championship to the Premier League and followed that up with a top half finish in the 2022-23 season, a campaign that saw Fulham beat rivals Chelsea for the first time in 17 years.

However, amid links to Benfica, it has now been confirmed that the Portuguese tactician is to leave his post at Craven Cottage this summer.

A statement reads: We can confirm that Marco Silva will leave his role as Head Coach at Fulham this summer.

"It's a position that Silva has held for five years – a spell which was laden with success."

Fulham owner, Shahid Khan wrote: "Marco Silva leaves our Club with my gratitude and best wishes. Fulham and Marco were an excellent fit for five seasons, but change is inevitable in this game, and we've accordingly prepared for this moment.

"The talent in our squad, our historic home ground of Craven Cottage, our faithful supporters, and my commitment to backing the Club, all make Fulham an extraordinarily attractive destination for an incoming head coach.

"We will soon appoint a new leader in a timely but deliberate manner, who will meet the standards of our Club and expectations of our fans throughout the world."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/marco-silva-leaves-fulham-confirm-b1284562.html

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Marco Silva leaves Fulham - reportedly to replace José Mourinho at Benfica
Marco Silva is leaving his role as head coach of Fulham. He is set to replace José Mourinho at Benfica, British media report.

Marco Silva has been in charge of the London club for five years and took Fulham to the team's Premier League points record in 2025.

"Fulham will always be in my heart, and sooner or later I will be back at Craven Cottage," the Portuguese said in a statement.

According to British reports, Silva is expected to replace compatriot José Mourinho on the coaching bench at Portuguese top club Benfica.

Mourinho is reportedly set to return to Real Madrid, and the move is expected to become official after Real's presidential election on June 7, the BBC reports.



https://swedenherald.com/article/marco-silva-leaves-fulham-reportedly-to-replace-jos-mourinho-at-benfica

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Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna early frontrunner to replace Marco Silva as new boss of Fulham
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna is the early frontrunner with the bookmakers to be the new Fulham boss.

The west London side announced earlier today that Marco Silva is to leave his position after five years in charge at Craven Cottage, with the Portuguese coach expected to return to his homeland with Benfica.

And according to talkSPORT, Fulham would be keen to discuss their vacancy with Town boss McKenna.

However, the report adds that the reported £8m release clause in McKenna's contract at Portman Road could prove to be a stumbling block to any move.

Nevertheless, Oddschecker have still priced the 40-year-old as the 10/3 favourite to replace the void left by Silva.

In a statement released on the club's website, Fulham chairman Shahid Khan said: "Marco Silva leaves our club with my gratitude and best wishes. Fulham and Marco were an excellent fit for five seasons, but change is inevitable in this game, and we've accordingly prepared for this moment.

"The talent in our squad, our historic home ground of Craven Cottage, our faithful supporters, and my commitment to backing the club, all make Fulham an extraordinarily attractive destination for an incoming head coach.

"We will soon appoint a new leader in a timely but deliberate manner, who will meet the standards of our club and expectations of our fans throughout the world."

Other managers linked with the post include Thomas Frank (4/1), Scott Parker (6/1), Liam Rosenior (8/1) and Kjetil Knutsen (10/1).



https://www.suffolknews.co.uk/ipswich/sport/town-boss-early-frontrunner-for-fulham-job-9468461/

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Super Eagles stars Bassey, Iwobi face Fulham shake-up as Marco Silva decision is confirmed
Super Eagles stars Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey are preparing for a new era at Fulham after the confirmed departure of manager Marco Silva, the man who played a key role in rebuilding both players' careers at Craven Cottage, Soccernet.ng reports.

Silva will leave Fulham this summer when his contract expires at the end of June, bringing an end to a highly successful five-year spell in West London. The 48-year-old Portuguese coach has reportedly agreed to become the new manager of Benfica and is expected to sign a deal that will keep him in Lisbon until 2028.

His departure comes despite Fulham's efforts to keep him at the club. Reports indicate that the Premier League side offered Silva a lucrative three-year contract extension, but the former Everton and Watford manager chose a return to Portugal, where he will have the opportunity to compete for domestic honours and major European trophies.

Silva's final game in charge was a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United on the last day of the season, a fitting ending to a spell that transformed Fulham from a Championship side into an established Premier League club.

Appointed in July 2021, Silva immediately guided Fulham back to the top flight by winning the Championship title in his first season. He then delivered four consecutive comfortable Premier League campaigns, including a club-record 54-point haul during the 2024-25 season. His longevity made him the second-longest-serving manager in the Premier League, behind only Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

In an emotional farewell message to supporters, Silva wrote:

    "To our fans – I asked you, from day one, to always be with us. And that's what you did these past five years. We achieved a lot together. My staff and I always felt your support. It will never be forgotten. Fulham will always be in my heart, and sooner or later I will be back at Craven Cottage."

Fulham owner Shahid Khan also acknowledged the end of an era, saying:

    "Marco Silva leaves our Club with my gratitude and best wishes. Fulham and Marco were an excellent fit for five seasons, but change is inevitable in this game, and we've accordingly prepared for this moment.

    "We will soon appoint a new leader in a timely but deliberate manner, who will meet the standards of our Club and expectations of our fans throughout the world."

Why Silva's exit matters for Super Eagles stars Iwobi and Bassey
Few players benefited more from Silva's management than Nigeria internationals Iwobi and Bassey.

Silva had previously worked with Iwobi at Everton and personally brought him to Fulham in 2023. Under his guidance, the midfielder developed into one of the most versatile players in the squad, operating as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder and winger whenever required. Silva regularly praised the Nigerian's adaptability, describing him as "a key player in any position he plays."

Iwobi's importance to Fulham became even more evident as he reached 100 appearances for the club. During the 2025-26 Premier League season, he made 29 league appearances, scored four goals and created 38 chances as Fulham secured another stable campaign.

Bassey's rise under Silva has been equally impressive. After a difficult spell at Ajax, the defender arrived in London in 2023 and quickly became a cornerstone of Fulham's defence. Silva placed enormous trust in him, helping him improve his positioning, passing range and composure while making him the club's first-choice left-sided centre-back.

The Portuguese coach's admiration for both players was evident ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations when Nigeria called them up for international duty. Faced with losing two of his most important players, Silva admitted:

    "We are talking about starting XI players. Alex is a key player in any position he plays. The importance of Calvin... You have to find solutions."

Bassey also spoke warmly about his manager's influence, describing Silva as "one of the best managers in the Premier League" and crediting him for helping the team achieve significant progress.

Now, with Silva heading to Benfica, Fulham must find a successor capable of maintaining the standards he established. Names such as Kieran McKenna, Thomas Frank, Oliver Glasner, Filipe Luís, Liam Rosenior and Graham Potter have all been linked with the vacancy.

Whoever arrives next will inherit two established Premier League performers in Iwobi and Bassey. However, replacing the manager who revived their careers and made them central figures in Fulham's rise may prove far more difficult.



https://soccernet.ng/2026/06/super-eagles-bassey-iwobi-fulham-ma-silva.html

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Marco Silva leaves Fulham after 5 years coaching Premier League club
LONDON (AP) - Fulham coach Marco Silva is leaving the Premier League club after five years in charge, the sides confirmed Tuesday.

The Lisbon native is reportedly a target for Portuguese giant Benfica as a replacement for Jose Mourinho, who it is widely speculated is about to return to Real Madrid.

"Fulham and Marco were an excellent fit for five seasons, but change is inevitable in this game, and we´ve accordingly prepared for this moment," said owner Shahid Khan, adding that the club was an "extraordinarily attractive destination for an incoming head coach."

"We will soon appoint a new leader in a timely but deliberate manner, who will meet the standards of our club and expectations of our fans throughout the world," he said.

Silva led Fulham to the title in the second-tier Championship in his first season in charge in 2021-22, securing promotion to the Premier League and retaining its top-flight status since then.

Fulham described him as a "fiercely passionate and relentlessly hard-working individual" whose impact on the club would not be forgotten.

"I leave with a feeling I was told when I first arrived - that Fulham Football Club is a family," Silva wrote in an open letter to fans. "Fulham will always be in my heart, and sooner or later I will be back at Craven Cottage."

Widespread reports in Spain say Mourinho is the leading contender to take over at Madrid if president Florentino Perez wins the club's upcoming presidential election.



https://www.dailymail.com/wires/ap/article-15868253/Marco-Silva-leaves-Fulham-5-years-coaching-Premier-League-club.html

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Marco Silva's Fulham replacement as Arne Slot and ex-Chelsea boss in running
Marco Silva will leave his role as Fulham head coach this summer, the Premier League club have announced, as several names are already in the running to takeover at Craven Cottage

Fulham are currently on the lookout for a new manager after head coach Marco Silva confirmed he will leave the club this month.

Silva not revealed his next destination, but the 48-year-old has been heavily linked with Portuguese giants Benfica. His five-year tenure had made Silva the third longest serving boss in the Premier League, and fifth longest in the top four divisions.

However, Fulham now have the difficult time of trying to replace Silva with bookmakers already having an odds on favourite to be in the dugout at Craven Cottage in August.

Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna, who gained promotion back to the Premier League with Ipswich, is currently favourite to take the job with odds of 10/3 with some bookies. It is unknown whether McKenna wants another crack at England's top league with Ipswich following relegation during their last one year stint.

Fulham may upset certain fans with the next two frontrunners having both manged local rivals. Former Brentford boss Thomas Frank is also one of the frontrunners at 4/1 but his time at Fulham's local rivals may prove an unpopular choice for both sets of supporters.

Former Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior is 6/1 with some bookies following a disappointing spell at Stamford Bridge. However, Rosenior is also an ex-Fulham player and could be given time by fans despite managing Chelsea. Shockingly, Sky Bet have nearly sacked Arne Slot at the same price as Rosenior at 6/1.

In an open letter to Fulham supporters, Silva said: "To our fans – I asked you, from day one, to always be with us. And that's what you did these past five years. We achieved a lot together.

"My staff and I always felt your support. It will never be forgotten. Fulham will always be in my heart, and sooner or later I will be back at Craven Cottage."

Silva's potential move to Benfica, who finished third in the Portuguese top flight this season, would see him replace Jose Mourinho, who is widely reported to be on his way back to Real Madrid for a second spell.

It has also been reported that Mourinho's official appointment could be delayed by upcoming presidential elections at Real this weekend.

In a statement, Fulham owner Shahid Khan said the club will appoint "a new leader in a timely but deliberate manner, who will meet the standards of our club and expectations of our fans throughout the world."

Silva guided the Cottagers to their first league title in 21 years when they won the Championship in 2021-22, his first season, to seal promotion back to the Premier League, then secured a top-half finish in the following campaign.

Silva also steered Fulham to their record Premier League points tally, 54 in 2025, as well as four quarter-finals across domestic cup competitions, taking them all the way to the Carabao Cup semi-finals in 2024.

Khan added: "Marco Silva leaves our club with my gratitude and best wishes. Fulham and Marco were an excellent fit for five seasons, but change is inevitable in this game, and we've accordingly prepared for this moment.

"The talent in our squad, our historic home ground of Craven Cottage, our faithful supporters, and my commitment to backing the club, all make Fulham an extraordinarily attractive destination for an incoming head coach."



https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/marco-silva-fulham-arne-slot-37238729

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Marco Silva to leave Fulham this summer after rejecting contract
Silva is reportedly on the verge of returning to Portugal to take charge of Benfica

Marco Silva will leave his role as Fulham head coach this summer, bringing an end to his five-year spell at the club.

Silva's future has been up the in air all season with negotiations over a new contract stalling.

After rejecting Fulham's final offer, he is now reportedly on the verge of returning to his homeland of Portugal to become Benifca manager.

He would succeed Jose Mourinho at the Estadio da Luz, who is set to replace Alvaro Arbeloa in a sensational return to Real Madrid.

In an open letter to Fulham's supporters, Silva said: "To our fans – I asked you, from day one, to always be with us. And that's what you did these past five years. We achieved a lot together.

"My staff and I always felt your support. It will never be forgotten. Fulham will always be in my heart, and sooner or later I will be back at Craven Cottage."

Silva's tenure at Craven Cottage made the third longest serving boss in the Premier League, and fifth longest in the top four divisions.

He leaves the club having re-established them as a Premier League side, topping the Championship to earn promotion in 2021/22 before bucking Fulham's recent trend of going straight back down by securing a 10th-place finish the following season.

Silva went on to lead the Whites to a three further mid-table finishes, breaking the club's record Premier League points tally when they racked up 54 in 2024/25.

"Marco Silva leaves our club with my gratitude and best wishes," Fulham owner Shahid Khan said. "Fulham and Marco were an excellent fit for five seasons, but change is inevitable in this game, and we've accordingly prepared for this moment.

"The talent in our squad, our historic home ground of Craven Cottage, our faithful supporters, and my commitment to backing the club, all make Fulham an extraordinarily attractive destination for an incoming head coach.

"We will soon appoint a new leader in a timely but deliberate manner, who will meet the standards of our club and expectations of our fans throughout the world."



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/marco-silva-leaves-fulham-benfica-b2988139.html

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Next Fulham manager: Arne Slot and Thomas Frank among contenders with appointment expected imminently
Fulham owner has revealed an appointment is expected soon

Fulham are on the search for a new manager after confirming the imminent departure of Marco Silva.

Silva was appointed as Fulham head coach in July 2021 and secured promotion back to the Premier League in his debut season before stabilising the side in the top-flight.

Despite recording the highest Premier League points tally in Fulham's history during the 2024-25 season, Silva was unable to secure the club's first major trophy.

Amid talk of a return to Portugal to replace Jose Mourinho as Benfica head coach, an official statement regarding a summer exit reads: "The club can confirm that Marco Silva will leave his role as Head Coach at Fulham this summer.

"It's a position that Silva has held for five years – which had made him the third longest serving boss in the Premier League, and fifth longest in the Football League – a spell which was laden with success."

Fulham owner Shahid Khan added: "Marco Silva leaves our Club with my gratitude and best wishes. Fulham and Marco were an excellent fit for five seasons, but change is inevitable in this game, and we've accordingly prepared for this moment.

"The talent in our squad, our historic home ground of Craven Cottage, our faithful supporters, and my commitment to backing the Club, all make Fulham an extraordinarily attractive destination for an incoming head coach.

"We will soon appoint a new leader in a timely but deliberate manner, who will meet the standards of our Club and expectations of our fans throughout the world."

As things stand, Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna is favourite, ahead of current former Tottenham and Brentford boss Thomas Frank, who has been a free agent since leaving north London in February.

Frank Lampard, Jose Bordalas and Kjetil Knutsen are the other names in the frame to replace Silva at Craven Cottage before the start of the new Premier League season.

Meanwhile, Arne Slot - sacked by Liverpool at the weekend - has also been tipped to by bookmakers to become the next Fulham manager, along with former player Liam Rosenior, who has been out of work since leaving Chelsea in April.
Next Fulham manager odds

    Kieran McKenna: 6/4
    Thomas Frank: 5/1
    Frank Lampard: 7/1
    Jose Bordalas: 9/1
    Kjetil Knutsen: 9/1
    Liam Rosenior: 10/1
    Arne Slot: 10/1

(Odds via Betfair, subject to change.)



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/next-fulham-manager-slot-frank-rosenior-appointment-b1284588.html