Fulham have held talks with former Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa as they look to find a replacement for Marco Silva. The Portuguese coach chose to leave Craven Cottage upon the expiry of his contract, leaving the Premier League club in need of a new manager. Silva has already moved on and has been confirmed as Jose Mourinho's replacement at Benfica.
Arbeloa's Background
Arbeloa was given the Real Madrid job following the surprise sacking of Xabi Alonso, who only lasted a matter of months at the Bernabeu. The former Liverpool defender could not deliver any silverware at Los Blancos, which often spells the end for any manager at the club. He has since been replaced by Mourinho, but could now find a pathway back to England with Fulham, according to reports.
Arbeloa boasts an impressive CV as a player, enjoying major tournament success with Spain at Euro 2012. He was handed the Real job having previously been the club's reserve team coach. While he didn't win any trophies, managing a dressing room and a club of that stature has put him in the shop window. He also impressed with a Champions League knockout win over Manchester City.
Other Candidates
Fulham have also been linked with Kieran McKenna, who is no longer Ipswich boss having resigned on Wednesday. He leaves the Tractor Boys having just won promotion back to the Premier League, but has signalled his intent to take a break from management. Ruben Amorim is another man linked with the Craven Cottage vacancy. He has been without a job since getting sacked by Manchester United in January, but speculation suggests that the ex-Sporting Lisbon coach would be more inclined to take a job in Europe, rather than have another crack in England.
Silva's Legacy
Whoever does take the top job at Fulham will have big shoes to fill. Silva arrived at Fulham in 2021 and guided the club to the Championship title in his first season, and has since consolidated the club in the top flight. He led the club to an 11th-place finish in 2025, setting a new club record in the Premier League by winning 54 points. Fulham finished 10th, 13th, 11th, and 11th in the Premier League during Silva's tenure, with the Portuguese boss enjoying a 2-0 win over Newcastle on the final day of the season.
