Benfica are preparing a contingency plan by targeting Fulham manager Marco Silva, should current boss José Mourinho depart for Real Madrid. The Portuguese giants view Silva as a prime candidate to take over if Mourinho, who is heavily linked with a return to the Bernabéu, finalizes his move.
Mourinho, 63, has been in charge at Benfica since last September, but Madrid have made him their top target. Talks are underway for a second stint at the Spanish club, 13 years after his first spell ended. Benfica are reluctant to lose him, yet they acknowledge the need for a backup option.
Silva, 48, has impressed at Fulham, guiding them back to the Premier League in 2022 and establishing them as a stable top-flight side, though European qualification has remained elusive. Fulham have offered him a new contract in an effort to keep him, but Silva is yet to decide whether he wants a new challenge. A move to Benfica, currently second in Portugal behind Porto, would offer him Champions League football.
Chelsea are also monitoring Silva as they search for a permanent replacement for Liam Rosenior, who was dismissed last month. The London club are willing to wait until the season ends before appointing a new manager, with Xabi Alonso believed to be their ideal candidate. Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title in 2024, has been out of work since being sacked by Real Madrid this season. The Spaniard reportedly prefers his next role to be in England and has been on Chelsea’s radar for at least three years. Liverpool have also been mentioned as a possible destination if they part ways with Arne Slot.
Chelsea have also checked on Andoni Iraola, who is leaving Bournemouth, and Crystal Palace, who are losing Oliver Glasner, are also interested in Iraola. Chelsea are keeping an eye on Glasner and have considered former left-back Filipe Luís, who is awaiting his next opportunity after leaving Flamengo. Luís was a candidate before Rosenior replaced Enzo Maresca in January.