Fulham is no longer part of the equation. However, Marco Silva is now being given the opportunity to work directly with a player he once considered bringing to Craven Cottage.
Portuguese newspaper A Bola reports that Benfica winger Tiago Gouveia will return for pre-season determined to convince the club’s new manager that he deserves a place in the squad.
The arrival of Silva has dramatically altered the 24-year-old’s outlook. Previously, he had been informed he was not part of José Mourinho’s plans.
Marco Silva changes the picture
According to the report, Silva already knows the player well and considered signing him for Fulham. He reportedly did so multiple times. A move never materialised. However, the Benfica coach is now expected to take a fresh look at Gouveia during pre-season before making a final decision on his future.
It is interesting because he appeared to be heading towards the exit door only a few weeks ago. So Marco Silva’s arrival gave him a lifeline.
The winger is under contract until 2028 and returns after a disappointing loan spell with Nice. The French club had an €8m (£6.9m) purchase option but decided against activating it. Therefore, they sent the player back to Lisbon with his future unresolved.
Gouveia made 25 appearances for Nice last season, although only 11 came as a starter. His two goals arrived against Go Ahead Eagles in the Europa League.
Before that, he had shown promise at Benfica. During the 2023-24 campaign under Roger Schmidt, he featured 26 times and was viewed as a useful squad option capable of playing in several roles. He was also a Leicester City target back then.
A difficult route into the Benfica side
Tiago Gouveia faces fierce competition if he is to force his way into Silva’s plans.
On the right wing, Gianluca Prestianni and Dodi Lukebakio are currently ahead of him in the pecking order. However, there remains some uncertainty surrounding Lukebakio’s future this summer.
Gouveia can also operate at right-back, but there he must compete with Amar Dedic, Alexander Bah and Leandro Banjaqui. Benfica are not expected to keep every option currently available in that position, which could create an opening.
For now, the key detail is that Silva appears willing to assess every player before making decisions. For Gouveia, that offers a route back into contention at Benfica.
It also means the former Fulham target will finally get the chance to prove himself directly to the manager who once thought he might fit at Craven Cottage.
