Marco Silva has announced his departure from Fulham after five years at the helm, with the Portuguese manager on the verge of sealing a move to Benfica.

The 48-year-old's contract runs out at the end of June, and speculation over his future had been mounting throughout the latter stages of the season. The club had offered him a fresh three-year deal in a bid to retain his services, but Silva has opted to return to his homeland.

A transformative tenure in west London

Silva arrived at Fulham in 2021, taking charge of a side competing in the Championship. He wasted no time making his mark — guiding the club to promotion in his debut season and firmly establishing them as a Premier League outfit in the years that followed.

In his four Premier League campaigns, Fulham posted finishes of 10th, 13th, 11th, and 11th — a record of consistent mid-table stability that underlined the progress made under his leadership.

The final match of this season offered a fitting send-off, as Fulham defeated Newcastle to secure an 11th-placed finish in the top flight.

Background and what comes next

Before his spell at Fulham, Silva had managed Hull City, Watford, and Everton in English football. His return to Portugal with Benfica marks a significant new chapter in a career that has spanned both sides of the Channel.

Further details on the Benfica agreement are expected to follow.