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Fulham Appoints Alvaro Arbeloa as New Manager Following Marco Silva's Departure to Benfica

Alvaro Arbeloa has signed a three-year contract with Fulham as the club's new manager, replacing Marco Silva who departed for Benfica.

Asude Karataş • 8 Temmuz 2026 03:00 • 3 dk okuma • 9 görüntülenme

Fulham have appointed Alvaro Arbeloa as their new head coach on a three-year deal, replacing Marco Silva following the Portuguese manager's move to Benfica. The 43-year-old former Real Madrid interim manager brings extensive experience from Europe's top clubs and a playing career that included 98 appearances for Liverpool in the Premier League.

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From Player to Manager
Vision for Fulham

From Player to Manager

Arbeloa spent the final months of the last season managing Real Madrid after Xabi Alonso's departure in January. During his 28-game tenure, the Spanish club finished second in La Liga and reached the Champions League quarter-finals before elimination by Bayern Munich. His credentials were supported by references from Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and newly appointed manager Jose Mourinho, under whom Arbeloa played at Santiago Bernabeu. Prior to taking the interim role, he served as a youth coach at the club.

The appointment comes after Marco Silva ended his five-year tenure at Craven Cottage, during which he established Fulham as a competitive Premier League side. Despite previous indications that Silva would remain, the manager opted to join Benfica as Jose Mourinho's successor. Fulham chairman Shahid Khan and vice-chairman Tony Khan moved quickly to identify Arbeloa as their preferred candidate, bypassing other managerial targets including Thomas Frank and Kieran McKenna, whose appointment was deemed prohibitively expensive.

Vision for Fulham

Khan praised Arbeloa's ambition and philosophy, noting his keen interest in the club's academy system and commitment to developing young talent. The new manager has expressed enthusiasm for establishing an attacking style of play at Craven Cottage. Arbeloa is actively considering bringing players from Real Madrid to strengthen his squad, including attacking midfielder Franco Mastantuono, full-back Fran Garcia, and forward Gonzalo Garcia, as he begins pre-season preparations with his new team.

Who is Alvaro Arbeloa and what is his management background?+

Arbeloa is a 43-year-old former Real Madrid interim manager who led the club for the final 28 matches of last season after Xabi Alonso's departure. Before his managerial role, he was a youth coach at Real Madrid. As a player, he made 98 appearances for Liverpool and finished his career with West Ham, giving him direct Premier League experience.

Why did Marco Silva leave Fulham?+

Silva departed Fulham to join Benfica as a replacement for Jose Mourinho, who became Real Madrid's manager. Despite previously indicating he would stay, Silva changed his decision and surprised the club's board after five successful years at Craven Cottage.

What is the length and structure of Arbeloa's contract?+

Arbeloa has signed a three-year contract with Fulham. The deal was announced following the club's search for Silva's replacement after the Portuguese manager's exit.

Which other managers were considered for the Fulham position?+

Fulham considered Thomas Frank, the former Tottenham and Brentford manager, and Kieran McKenna from Ipswich. However, McKenna's appointment was deemed too expensive due to his £8 million release fee plus salary and staff costs, ultimately leading to Arbeloa's selection.

What players is Arbeloa looking to bring to Fulham?+

Arbeloa is interested in bringing Franco Mastantuono (attacking midfielder), Fran Garcia (full-back), and Gonzalo Garcia (forward) from Real Madrid to Fulham as he builds his squad for the season ahead.

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