Updated: 30 Apr 2026 12:18 BST |
4 min read
Jose Mourinho could inadvertently stop Chelsea from appointing one of their top managerial targets if he joins Real Madrid this summer.
The 63-year-old has emerged as Florentino Perez’s preferred candidate for the permanent role at the Bernabeu, following the sacking of Xabi Alonso earlier this year, and a deal could be finalised after the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
Mourinho has also been linked with replacing Roberto Martinez as the Portugal national team boss following this summer’s World Cup, but it’s understood that he is eager to return to Real Madrid for a second spell at the club.
‘The Special One’ hasn’t lost a single league match at Benfica since his arrival in September, however they are still seven points behind in the Portuguese top flight table and a first league title since 2015 is therefore expected to evade Mourinho once again.
However, he has impressed the Real Madrid hierarchy this season and he is widely expected to leave Benfica this summer.
In preparation for his departure, the Portuguese giants have now identified Fulham head coach Marco Silva as a top target, according to a report from Record.
The 48-year-old has enjoyed a stellar stint at Craven Cottage since his appointment back in 2021, however his current contract is due to expire at the end of the season and a move back to his homeland could be on the cards amid significant interest from Benfica.
Chelsea handed Marco Silva blow
News that Silva is wanted as Mourinho’s replacement by Benfica will come as a blow to Chelsea, who have reportedly identified him as a possible permanent successor to Liam Rosenior.
The Blues have shortlisted Silva as a potential option for the head coach role at Stamford Bridge, but a proposed move could be complicated by Benfica’s interest.
As a result, Chelsea may be required to pursue an alternative target, with the likes of Xabi Alonso, Andoni Iraola and Oliver Glasner also linked with a move to the west London giants ahead of next season.
While Silva could still opt to reject Benfica’s advances in favour of joining Chelsea, he has been advised against choosing this option by former Premier League manager Sam Allardyce.
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Allardyce said: “He [Silva] has to do his research, though. He has to ring the other managers and find out how difficult it is really with the owners. If you have that intrusive interference, it’s not really a job.
“As much as you want to take it, you have to be brave enough to say I’m better off staying at Fulham, unless Chelsea change their structure and say we have to change.”
Silva has won 103 of his 225 matches in charge of Fulham since arriving in 2021, while the club are in contention for European football this season, with only two points separating them in 10th from Brighton & Hove Albion in sixth.
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