According to A Bola, the negotiations are completely deadlocked. Financial disagreements and differences in football-related issues must be overcome. The guarantees for building the team and for the project still do not convince the coach. Benfica are now considering alternatives.
The negotiations between Benfica and Marco Silva have reached a dead end in the last few hours. “The Reds” and the coach are still in contact, but risk not reaching an agreement. The parties are still far apart in important areas – everything from the independence Marco Silva demands in the management of the football department, to financial issues.
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The countdown..
After all, José Mourinho could be announced as Real Madrid’s new coach after the June 7 election, as soon as Florentino Pérez is re-elected as president. Meanwhile, Benfica and Marco Silva have continued to negotiate in recent days – but without practical results. In other words: no white smoke.
Benfica must raise the wage level for Marco Silva – And Fulham beef up their investment level!
The coach has, as is well known, an offer to renew his contract with Fulham until 2030, with a salary of 7.5 million euros per season. Benfica are willing to pay €5 million per season, with a signing bonus that could close the financial gap.
Mourinho’s departure costs €15 million
Money is not the main obstacle though – otherwise Marco Silva would have already renewed with Fulham. But it is a problem that cannot be ignored, not least because José Mourinho would have received 7.5 million euros next season if he had stayed. – Real Madrid have to put big money on the table for Benfica to let go of Jose Mourinho who is still under contract.
Marco Silva demands autonomy when it comes to assembling the squad, organizing the structure and planning the season. Benfica are not yet willing to meet all the demands. The coach is also not convinced of the guarantees he has received so far for the project to succeed – including when it comes to the investment power to build a strong team this summer.
This whole process, which started at the beginning of the month, is creating some wear and tear on the coach, who has previously been more inclined to accept the invitation and replace José Mourinho.
Fulham’s huge promise
Marco Silva, in addition to the generous contract, has received Fulham’s promise to invest €150 million in signings this summer. The goal is to raise the team’s level of competition, so they can fight with other weapons and bigger ambitions for new goals in England.
Benfica and Marco Silva are thus not as close to an agreement as expected after the initial talks. At this point, it is very uncertain how it will all end. The signing of Marco Silva is in jeopardy.
Benfica is already looking for alternatives
Benfica have also noticed that Marco Silva may not be convinced, and the club is already looking for alternatives – i.e. other coaches. The first contacts have already been made, and they will be followed up definitively if an understanding is not reached with Marco Silva.
Peace deal signed for Benfica, Florentino Pérez and Mourinho
The next few days will be crucial. Neither Rui Costa nor Marco Silva want to drag out the process much longer. For Benfica, it is even more urgent, as the club needs to get a new coach in place quickly.
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