Marco Silva has signed a new contract with Fulham to keep him at the club until 2026.
Silva confirmed in August he turned down the chance to manage in the Saudi Pro League despite receiving a lucrative offer to join the division, citing his desire to continue competing in the “best and most competitive league in the world” and explaining talks were ongoing about a new contract with Fulham. The 46-year-old’s deal had been set to expire next summer.
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“I’m really pleased to sign a new contract as it was something we had been discussing for some time,” Silva said. “It’s always a good sign when both parties are happy and want to continue working together.
“I feel that the business is not done yet, we’ve had two great seasons, and the goal is clearly there to sustain this club in the Premier League. This is key for the future of this club, and we are working hard to achieve it.
“It is important to feel the trust and have the support of our owners. My relationship with them, and with Fulham Football Club as a whole, has been really important in this decision and the success of the last two seasons.
“The commitment and ambition that these players have demonstrated since day one has been the key to what we have achieved, and that will always continue to be the case, along with the unconditional support of our fans, who are fundamental. Let’s continue together on this long journey.”
Silva joined Fulham in 2021 and guided the club to promotion from the Championship as league winners during his first season in charge, before securing a 10th-place Premier League finish last term.
Chairman Shahid Khan added: “When I first met Marco in 2021, I knew then he represented everything we needed and more from our next head coach.
“I am grateful that Marco believed, as I did, in what is possible here at Fulham, and now here we are several years later reaffirming our commitment to achieving something special for our fans. Marco and I are aligned — we have work ahead, but even more to look forward to.”
Fulham sit 13th in the Premier League and return to action on Sunday with a trip to Brighton & Hove Albion.
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‘A major breakthrough for Fulham’
Analysis by Peter Rutzler
The importance of Silva’s new contract cannot be overstated for Fulham. It may well prove to be the most important signing of Shahid Khan’s decade in charge of the club.
Silva’s previous deal was due to expire next summer and that left great uncertainty.
He has been the architect of the team’s recent success, ending their ‘yo-yo existence’ of promotion and relegation, while also persuading key players, such as Joao Palhinha and Bernd Leno, to join the club. In his first season, Fulham won the Championship, the club’s first league title for 20 years, and then restored top-flight stability with a superb 10th-place finish last year.
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It was no secret that Fulham were desperate for him to stay and that there was an offer on the table. But would he sign?
The fact Silva has put pen to paper offers reassurance across the club about his commitment, and also Fulham’s longer-term ambitions. “Marco and I are aligned” says owner Shahid Khan and that may well be the most important line of the agreement.
For Silva, his tenure at Fulham has helped to change perceptions in England. He left Everton under a cloud, with no one quite sure of his abilities but at Fulham, he has restored his reputation as a promising coach. He has shown he can stay long-term and see through a project, with Fulham proving to be his longest stay in a role since his first job at Portuguese side Estoril.
It is a partnership that has worked for all parties and that is now set to continue. There is no question that this is news is a major breakthrough for Fulham, and a positive endorsement of the club’s direction of travel.
(Photo: Tom Dulat/Getty Images)