Al Nassr Eye Marco Silva as Jorge Jesus Replacement Amid Benfica Interest
Latest transfer update: Al Nassr are exploring Marco Silva to replace Jorge Jesus after the Saudi champions’ title win, but Benfica are also in advanced talks to sign Fulham’s manager.
Al Nassr are reportedly exploring an approach for Fulham manager Marco Silva to replace Jorge Jesus following the Portuguese coach’s exit, the latest transfer-style managerial update coming after the Saudi champions secured the Saudi Pro League title. The move matters because it would be a high-profile managerial appointment for Cristiano Ronaldo’s club and comes amid reported competition from Benfica, who are said to be in advanced talks to sign Silva.
Why it matters
A change of manager at Al Nassr will shape the club’s plans for the coming season after they won the Saudi Pro League and saw Jorge Jesus announce his departure. Appointing Marco Silva would signal Al Nassr’s intent to bring in a coach with recent Premier League experience, while Benfica’s reported interest creates a tug-of-war that affects Fulham’s long-term planning and Silva’s own career trajectory.
What the report says
According to World Soccer Talk, citing 365Scores Arabic, Marco Silva has emerged as a prime candidate to succeed Jorge Jesus at Al Nassr. The piece also states Benfica are pursuing Silva following Jose Mourinho’s exit — with Portuguese journalist Ben Jacobs reporting Benfica are in advanced talks over a 2+1 year contract and that a verbal agreement is reportedly close. The report notes Silva remains under contract with Fulham through the summer of 2026 and that Fulham have offered him an extension, but there are indications he may be willing to leave English football.
Other names on Al Nassr’s shortlist
The report says Al Nassr are considering alternatives should Silva be unavailable. Abel Ferreira, currently manager of Palmeiras and under contract until December 2027, is reported to be on the shortlist. The article also lists Roberto Martinez — Portugal’s manager, who is expected to step down from international duty after the 2026 World Cup — as another candidate the club could pursue later this summer.
Key points
Context: Silva’s potential move would come amid wider managerial turnover in Portugal and Europe. Jose Mourinho’s departure from Benfica — referenced in the reporting — and the prospect of Martinez leaving the Portugal job after the World Cup are described as factors shaping the market for high-profile coaches. The report links these movements to Al Nassr’s search for a successor to Jorge Jesus.
What happens next
As presented in the source, the story hinges on negotiations that are not confirmed as complete. Confirmation would require official announcements from Al Nassr, Benfica, Fulham or Marco Silva. Until a club issues a statement, the situation should be considered as reported interest and talks rather than a concluded appointment.