Benfica is preparing for succession: Marco Silva is the favorite to replace Mourinho.

Benfica is already preparing for the future after José Mourinho, with Marco Silva emerging as the favorite to take over the reins of the club, leaving Ruben Amorim as a secondary option still on the table. The departure of the iconic Portuguese coach seems increasingly certain, with advanced negotiations for an agreement with Real Madrid, with only the official announcement remaining, which is expected to shake Portuguese football in the coming days.

According to exclusive information from the newspaper A Bola, the first contacts between Benfica and Marco Silva have already been established. The 48-year-old coach, currently without a contract after ending his association with Fulham, is represented by the influential agent Jorge Mendes, who interestingly also manages Mourinho’s interests. This fact could facilitate negotiations and accelerate the transition on the Benfica bench.

Marco Silva remains in a holding pattern, waiting for Rui Costa, the sporting director of Benfica, to clarify all the details so he can make a definitive decision. On the other hand, Ruben Amorim, who has been a prominent figure in Portuguese football, seems inclined towards a sabbatical, which further increases the chances of Silva being chosen for the position.

Silva is considering Benfica’s offer, but he also has an option to continue at Fulham, which adds an extra layer of tension to this negotiation that promises to be one of the main topics of the football summer in Portugal.

Rui Costa’s top priority is to define the date and terms of Mourinho’s departure, which could cost Benfica between 3 to 7 million euros, depending on who initiates the contract termination. Until these financial and legal matters are resolved, no concrete progress is expected in the hiring of Marco Silva.

This is a decisive moment for Benfica, which is seeking to ensure stability and success after the Mourinho era. The choice of the next coach could define the club’s direction for the coming years, and the stakes are high. Marco Silva, with his experience and connection to the Portuguese market, emerges as the safest bet to keep Benfica at the top. Updates are awaited that promise to shake up the coaching market in Portugal and Europe.

This article first appeared on [Apito Final](https://apitofinal.pt/).