Marco Silva has agreed to become the new head coach of Benfica, with the Lisbon club simultaneously confirming Jose Mourinho's departure to Real Madrid.

Silva, 48, left Fulham last week after five years at Craven Cottage, with his contract expiring at the end of the season. Benfica announced they had reached an agreement with the Portuguese manager and that he is set to sign a deal running through to the end of the 2027-28 season, with an option to extend by a further year to 2028-29.

Before his time at Fulham, Silva managed three other English clubs — Hull City, Watford, and Everton — building a reputation as a tactically astute coach in the Premier League era.

Mourinho's exit confirmed

Benfica also formalised Mourinho's exit from Estádio da Luz, confirming that Real Madrid will pay £13 million (15 million euros) in compensation to secure the 63-year-old's services. A statement from the club noted that Mourinho himself gave his agreement to the move, bringing his second spell as Benfica manager to a close.

Mourinho had taken charge at Benfica in September and guided the club to third place in the Primeira Liga this season. Notably, his side went through the entire league campaign without a single defeat — an impressive record that nonetheless ends with his return to the Spanish capital.

A familiar destination

Real Madrid is far from unfamiliar territory for Mourinho. During his previous spell at the Bernabéu between 2010 and 2013, he led the club to the La Liga title, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup — cementing his standing as one of the most decorated managers of his generation.

For Benfica, the appointment of Silva signals a desire to rebuild swiftly. With a contract structured to last at least two seasons, the club are backing him to restore their standing in Portuguese football's top flight.