Fulham have appointed Alvaro Arbeloa as their new head coach on a three-year contract, following the departure of Marco Silva to Benfica.
The 43-year-old arrives at Craven Cottage after leaving Real Madrid at the end of last season. His appointment was reportedly backed by positive references from Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and the club’s new manager, Jose Mourinho.
Silva opted to join Benfica despite being offered a new contract by Fulham. Last month, Fulham’s vice-chairman revealed the Portuguese had initially indicated he wanted to stay before unexpectedly deciding to leave after five successful years.
Former Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford manager Thomas Frank was linked with the vacancy, while a move for former Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna was considered too costly.
Arbeloa took charge of Real Madrid on an interim basis following Xabi Alonso’s departure in January, guiding the club through the final 28 matches of the season.
Los Blancos finished second in La Liga and were eliminated in the Champions League quarter-finals by Bayern Munich.
The Spaniard is also keen to strengthen his new squad, with Franco Mastantuono, Fran Garcia and Gonzalo Garcia among the players he is reportedly interested in bringing to Fulham.
Alvaro Arbeloa said: “It is a real honour for me to be embarking on this new stage at Fulham FC, the oldest club in London. I feel a great sense of responsibility and I’m deeply grateful to Mr. Khan and Tony Khan for the trust they have placed in me with Fulham in the Premier League.
“I am really looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere at Craven Cottage with Fulham fans and beginning pre-season with the players next week. I am sure we are going to enjoy an incredible journey together.
“Come on Fulham!”
Chairman Shahid Khan said:“Alvaro was an original candidate who built an exceptional case through our meetings in June to become our next Head Coach, and it quickly became quite clear that he was – and is – the right choice.
“I am delighted that Alvaro has accepted the challenge to push Fulham forward, and I have no doubt that our squad, staff and fans will resonate with what his appointment means for the present and future of our Club.
“Álvaro is, by his own admission, very ambitious. He has spent quality time around the best players, clubs and methods in the game, experiences which will serve him well here at Fulham.
‘Alvaro also has great interest in our Academy set-up and believes in giving young players a chance. I loved hearing that from Alvaro, as well as his intent on playing attacking football. All of this and a lot more makes Alvaro Arbeloa an ideal fit to lead Fulham Football Club into the upcoming Premier League season and beyond.”
Vice-chairman Tony Khan: “I’m thrilled to welcome Álvaro Arbeloa as Fulham’s Head Coach! Alvaro is highly intelligent with a profound knowledge of the sport, a very strong work ethic, and he is determined to succeed at Fulham. I’m excited and looking forward to a bright future for the Club under Álvaro’s tremendous leadership! Come on Fulham!”
The Arbeloa era. 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/opFIW3PlZa
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) July 8, 2026
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