Alvaro Arbeloa is in advanced talks to become Fulham’s next manager, completing a remarkable managerial triangle that has seen Jose Mourinho return to Real Madrid and Marco Silva take over at Benfica — all orchestrated by the super-agent Jorge Mendes.
The chain began when recently re-elected Real Madrid president Florentino Perez decided to bring Mourinho back from Benfica to the Santiago Bernabeu. That left Benfica searching for a manager and interim boss Arbeloa without a role. Silva, whose future at Fulham had already been in doubt after being shortlisted by Chelsea, emerged as Benfica’s primary target. Despite Fulham offering a record contract to keep their manager of five years, Silva opted to leave for the Portuguese giants — with Mendes brokering both moves.
“Alvaro Arbeloa in advanced talks to replace outgoing Marco Silva at Fulham as Mourinho returns to Real Madrid and Silva joins Benfica.”
Arbeloa, 43, spent last season as interim manager at Real Madrid after replacing Xabi Alonso midway through the campaign. He has spent his entire coaching career at Madrid, working up from the youth teams. As a player, he had two spells at the Bernabeu and also played in the Premier League for Liverpool and West Ham, earning 56 caps for Spain and winning two European Championships and a World Cup between 2008 and 2012.
Talks between Arbeloa and Fulham are ongoing. While a full agreement has not been reached, the club are working towards appointing him as their next boss. Fulham had also held talks with Kieran McKenna, but releasing him from his Ipswich contract would have cost £8m; McKenna has since departed Ipswich, saying he wanted a break for family.
Meanwhile, Mourinho has not only reshaped the coaching landscape but also dipped into the transfer market. Real Madrid have struck a deal to sign Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella for £51.7m — an initial £47.4m plus £4.3m in add-ons. The paperwork is still being finalised, but official confirmation is expected within a week. Cucurella, keen to depart Stamford Bridge, is currently at the World Cup seeking a second successive major tournament win with Spain.
Mendes, 60, has become a specialist in high-profile managerial appointments. He has also been involved in Enzo Maresca’s imminent move to Manchester City and Cesar Peixoto’s expected appointment at Wolves. The sheer scale of upheaval is reflected in the Premier League: 10 clubs will begin next season with new managers, including Bournemouth, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Ipswich, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham — a sign of a chaotic period at the top of English football.