Former Fulham manager Marco Silva turned down not one but two significantly more lucrative opportunities before accepting Benfica’s offer, according to fresh claims emerging from Portugal.
Silva’s departure from Craven Cottage opened this summer’s chapter of managerial drama, with the Portuguese coach repeatedly insisting money was not the deciding factor behind his move back home.
But new comments from Saudi Arabia now appear to support that claim.
Al Nassr confirm Silva was top target
The story relayed by Record in Portugal comes from Saad Al-Subaie, the former legal director of Al Nassr, who has revealed the Benfica manager was the Saudi club’s preferred candidate to replace Jorge Jesus.
Speaking via social media, Al-Subaie claimed Silva was not simply one name on a shortlist.
“The first and strongest option was Marco Silva, but in the final moments he decided his destination and signed with Benfica.”
Throughout the lengthy Benfica negotiations, most attention focused on Silva’s decision to walk away from Fulham’s renewal offer. Now there is confirmation from the Saudi side that Al Nassr were also pushing hard to secure his signature.
According to the former executive, Silva remained the leading candidate until very late in the process before ultimately choosing Benfica.
More money available elsewhere
Portuguese newspaper O Jogo place particular emphasis on the financial aspect of the decision.
The newspaper note that Silva rejected Fulham’s renewal proposal and Al Nassr’s approach despite both offers being worth more than the package Benfica eventually put together.
That fits closely with the message Silva delivered during his official Benfica presentation.
At the unveiling, he openly admitted the financial side was not the decisive factor behind his move.
“In relation to the financial side, it was absolutely not the main reason why I am here at this moment. Otherwise I wouldn’t be here,” Silva explained.
The former Fulham manager also acknowledged that “the emotional side carried great weight” in his decision.
Benfica challenge won out
O Jogo suggest Silva viewed Benfica as an opportunity to return to competing for major honours on a regular basis. That was something he referenced himself during his presentation.
The newspaper argue that prospect ultimately outweighed the financial advantages available both in Saudi Arabia and through a new Fulham contract.
It is an interesting detail because the public discussion around Silva’s departure often centred on the salary gap between Benfica and Fulham.
The latest reports suggest there was an even bigger financial temptation on the table.
According to the Saudi side, Al Nassr wanted Silva more than anyone else to replace Jorge Jesus. According to Silva himself, however, the attraction of Benfica proved stronger than the money on offer elsewhere.
By the end of the process, he had richer options available in both England and Saudi Arabia – and still chose Benfica.
