Transfer Market: Marco Silva's Successor at Fulham Confirmed

Fulham has announced the appointment of Álvaro Arbeloa as their new head coach. The 43-year-old Spaniard has signed a three-year contract, keeping him at the London club until the summer of 2029. He succeeds Marco Silva, who departed to take charge of Benfica – coincidentally, Arbeloa leaves Real Madrid, the former club of José Mourinho, who managed the Eagles last season.

Following a trophy-laden playing career, Arbeloa began his coaching journey at Real Madrid, where he managed youth teams before taking the helm of the senior squad last season.

“It’s an honor for me to begin this new chapter at Fulham, London’s oldest club. I feel a great responsibility and am grateful for the trust placed in me,” he stated, adding that he is eager to start working and experience the atmosphere at Craven Cottage.

Shahid Khan, the club owner, revealed that Arbeloa stood out from the beginning of the selection process. “It quickly became clear that he was – and is – the right choice. Álvaro is, by his own admission, very ambitious. He has spent quality time with football’s best players, clubs, and methods, experiences that will be very useful to him here,” Khan explained, also praising the coach’s interest in the club’s academy and his intention to play attacking football.

Arbeloa’s coaching career began in Real Madrid’s youth ranks, at the invitation of Florentino Pérez. After winning the title with the U14s, he was promoted to the U16s and, shortly after, to the U19s, a team with which he won the “treble” (La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Champions Cup) in his first season. After another championship title in 2024/25, he took charge of Castilla, Real Madrid’s B team, succeeding Raúl.

His stint with the B team lasted only half a season, as he was called up to the senior squad as interim coach following Xabi Alonso’s departure. Interestingly, he will reunite with Alonso on the opening day of the Premier League when Fulham faces Chelsea.

After finishing La Liga in second place, Arbeloa departed.