Real Madrid and Coach Álvaro Arbeloa Mutually Agree to Part Ways
On June 9, 2026, Real Madrid officially announced the departure of head coach Álvaro Arbeloa after just five months in charge. The 43-year-old former player took over in January 2026 following Xabi Alonso’s dismissal, managing 28 matches with 18 wins, 2 draws, and 8 losses. His tenure saw Madrid finish second in La Liga, exit the Copa del Rey in the round of 16 to second-division Albacete, and lose to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals. The club thanked Arbeloa for his loyalty, and he is expected to be replaced by José Mourinho.
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Arbeloa Close to Becoming Fulham Manager
Álvaro Arbeloa, who officially left Real Madrid in June 2026 after serving as their coach until the last league match, is on the verge of taking over as manager of Premier League club Fulham. According to English media including The Athletic, negotiations between Arbeloa and Fulham are in the final stages, with a three-season contract expected. He would replace Marco Silva, who has moved to Benfica to succeed José Mourinho. If finalized, the first matchday of the Premier League would see Arbeloa's Fulham face Xabi Alonso's Chelsea, adding extra intrigue to the fixture.
FútbolFulham Close to Appointing Arbeloa as New Manager with Three-Year Contract
According to The Athletic's David Ornstein, Fulham is finalizing an agreement to appoint Alvaro Arbeloa as the club's new head coach, with a three-year contract expected. Club sources maintain that the search for Marco Silva's successor is ongoing, with vice-chairman Tony Khan confirming two main candidates. Fulham's negotiations with Arbeloa have covered topics including his backroom staff and first-team squad planning. Arbeloa, 43, left Real Madrid after a four-month coaching stint where he led the team to the Champions League quarter-finals. He previously held talks with the Premier League club on June 10. This follows Silva's departure from Fulham earlier this month after five years; Silva has since been confirmed as Benfica's head coach, replacing Jose Mourinho, who in turn succeeded Arbeloa at Real Madrid.
虎扑 - 足球Fulham finalising deal to appoint Alvaro Arbeloa as head coach on three-year deal
Fulham are close to appointing former Real Madrid interim head coach Alvaro Arbeloa as their new manager on a three-year contract, succeeding Marco Silva who left for Benfica. The 43-year-old Spaniard guided Real Madrid to the Champions League quarterfinals in a turbulent four-month stint, which included an emphatic 5-1 aggregate win over Manchester City. Fulham, who finished 11th in the Premier League last season, have held talks covering backroom staff and squad planning. Club sources maintain the search is still ongoing with two leading candidates, but Arbeloa is the frontrunner. If finalized, Arbeloa will face his predecessor Xabi Alonso in Fulham's first league match against Chelsea. The Athletic's analysis notes Arbeloa showed tactical promise at Madrid despite inheriting a divided dressing room.
Soccer - The AthleticFulham finalising deal to appoint Alvaro Arbeloa as head coach on three-year deal
Fulham are close to appointing Alvaro Arbeloa as their new head coach on a three-year contract, according to The Athletic. The 43-year-old former Real Madrid defender replaces Marco Silva, who left for Benfica earlier in June 2026. Arbeloa most recently managed Real Madrid for four months, guiding them to the Champions League quarter-finals and securing an impressive 5-1 aggregate win over Manchester City. However, his tenure also included a Copa del Rey upset and an eight-point gap to Barcelona in La Liga. Fulham sources say negotiations remain ongoing but cover backroom staff and squad planning. Arbeloa's first Premier League match could be against Chelsea, coached by his Madrid predecessor Xabi Alonso, on August 24. The Athletic's Colin Millar notes Arbeloa managed a fractured dressing room and showed tactical promise, especially in European ties.
Soccer - The AthleticFulham finalising deal to appoint Alvaro Arbeloa as head coach on three-year deal
Fulham are finalizing a three-year deal to appoint Alvaro Arbeloa as their new head coach, replacing Marco Silva who left for Benfica. The 43-year-old former Real Madrid defender most recently managed Real Madrid for four months, guiding them to the Champions League quarter-finals before being replaced by Jose Mourinho. Fulham vice chairman Tony Khan confirmed two leading candidates remain in the running, but Arbeloa's talks have covered backroom staff and squad planning. Arbeloa took over from Xabi Alonso in January but Madrid's La Liga gap widened under him and they suffered a Copa del Rey upset. The Athletic's analysis notes Arbeloa's brief Madrid tenure was chaotic due to inherited dressing room divisions, but highlights his impressive Champions League victories over Benfica and Manchester City without key stars. Should the deal be completed, Arbeloa's first match would be against his Madrid predecessor Alonso's Chelsea on August 24.
Soccer - The AthleticAlvaro Arbeloa Close to Joining Fulham as New Head Coach
Former Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa is reportedly close to finalizing a move to Premier League side Fulham. According to Spanish sports daily AS, negotiations are ongoing and there is positive rapport between the parties. Arbeloa, who coached Real Madrid for much of the 2025-26 season, had the option to stay at the club but chose to seek a top-tier coaching role. Fulham, who finished 11th in the Premier League, is looking for a new manager after Marco Silva left to join Benfica, replacing Jose Mourinho. The article notes that Arbeloa's previous experience playing for Liverpool and West Ham in the Premier League is a factor in Fulham's interest. An agreement is not yet complete but is expected to be reached soon.
Feed MRSS-S real_madrid_aMourinho, Silva, Arbeloa trading places in managerial triangle with agent Jorge Mendes key to swaps
A complex managerial swap is unfolding involving Jose Mourinho, Marco Silva, and Alvaro Arbeloa, facilitated by super-agent Jorge Mendes. Mourinho is returning to Real Madrid from Benfica, leaving Benfica to hire Marco Silva from Fulham despite Fulham offering a record contract to keep him. This leaves Fulham to appoint former Liverpool and Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa, who was Benfica's interim boss. Mendes brokered the deals for Mourinho and Silva, and recommended Arbeloa to Fulham. The article also notes broader chaos in the Premier League, with 10 clubs starting next season with new managers, and highlights Mendes' influence in high-profile managerial appointments, including Enzo Maresca to Manchester City and Cesar Peixoto to Wolves.
BBC SportAlvaro Arbeloa Close to Joining Fulham as Part of Triple Coach Exchange
Less than a week after his departure from Real Madrid was confirmed, Alvaro Arbeloa is in advanced negotiations to become the new head coach of Fulham. The move is part of a triple coaching exchange: Marco Silva from Fulham to Benfica, Jose Mourinho from Benfica to Real Madrid, and Arbeloa from Real Madrid to Fulham. Fulham had previously sounded out Abel Ferreira, but the Portuguese coach chose to stay at Palmeiras. Arbeloa, a former Real Madrid youth product, previously played in the Premier League for Liverpool and West Ham. He took over Real Madrid on an interim basis in January after Xabi Alonso's departure, managing 28 matches with 18 wins, two draws, and eight defeats, but the season ended trophyless with dressing room issues. Fulham finished 11th in the Premier League.
FútbolFulham Negotiates with Arbeloa as Marco Silva Departs for Benfica
Fulham is in negotiations with former Real Madrid player Álvaro Arbeloa to become the club's new manager, succeeding Marco Silva who has officially left to join Benfica. The London club has also added Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira to its shortlist of potential replacements. Marco Silva's departure was confirmed by Fulham, with the Portuguese coach signing a two-year contract at Benfica with an option for a third season. Silva reportedly rejected lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia to take the Benfica job, where he will earn less than José Mourinho did in his final season at the club. Fulham players have publicly bid farewell to Silva, praising his impact. The article also notes that Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola had previously praised Silva as 'destined to be one of the best'.
RecordFulham in talks to appoint Alvaro Arbeloa as Marco Silva's replacement
Fulham are in negotiations to appoint former Real Madrid interim manager Alvaro Arbeloa as their new head coach, replacing Marco Silva who is leaving for Benfica. Arbeloa, 43, managed 28 matches for Real Madrid last season after replacing Xabi Alonso mid-campaign. He has spent his entire coaching career at Madrid, working up from youth teams. Fulham also held talks with Kieran McKenna but his £8m release clause from Ipswich Town proved prohibitive; McKenna has since left Ipswich for a family break. Fulham finished 11th in the Premier League last season. Sources caution that talks with Arbeloa are not yet advanced.
BBC SportFulham in advanced talks to appoint Alvaro Arbeloa as Marco Silva's replacement
Fulham are in advanced negotiations to appoint Alvaro Arbeloa as their new manager, replacing Marco Silva who is leaving for Benfica. Arbeloa, 43, served as interim head coach at Real Madrid last season after Xabi Alonso departed for Chelsea. He has spent his entire coaching career at Madrid, progressing from youth teams to the senior side. Fulham also considered Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna, but his £8m release clause and desire for a family break ruled him out. Arbeloa, a former Liverpool and West Ham player, is now the leading candidate for the Craven Cottage role. Fulham finished 11th in the Premier League last season.
BBC SportFulham closing in on Alvaro Arbeloa as new head coach after Marco Silva departure
Fulham are nearing an agreement with former Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa to become their new first-team head coach, following Marco Silva's departure to Benfica. According to journalist Matteo Moretto, discussions between Fulham officials and Arbeloa's representatives have advanced significantly in recent days. The Spanish coach is the club's priority to begin a new sporting cycle in the Premier League. While a few final points remain to be settled, the talks are described as constructive, with both sides increasingly optimistic. The move is part of a broader coaching reshuffle: Marco Silva left Fulham to replace José Mourinho at Benfica, while Mourinho is expected to take over from Arbeloa at Real Madrid. Fulham hopes to finalize the appointment quickly to prepare for the upcoming season.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertMoretto: Arbeloa's representatives in contact with Fulham, close to agreement
According to Marca journalist Matteo Moretto, negotiations between Premier League club Fulham and former Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa are progressing smoothly, with an agreement expected soon. This follows Fulham's departure of Marco Silva, who has been appointed by Benfica to replace José Mourinho. Mourinho, in turn, is set to move to Real Madrid to succeed Arbeloa, completing a coaching 'triangular relationship'. Arbeloa's representatives have been in contact with Fulham in recent days, and while some details remain unresolved, the overall sentiment is positive, with all parties optimistic about finalizing the deal in the coming days.
虎扑 - 足球Álvaro Arbeloa Could Join Fulham, Potentially Reuniting with Xabi Alonso in Premier League
Álvaro Arbeloa, after a brief stint as Real Madrid's interim head coach, is seeking a new role in European football. Following a rejection from Bayer Leverkusen, the Spanish coach is reportedly close to joining Fulham, according to The Athletic. Fulham is searching for a new manager after Marco Silva left for Benfica, following José Mourinho's move to Real Madrid. Arbeloa, who played for Liverpool and West Ham, knows the Premier League well. If appointed, he would join a league with several Spanish coaches, including Xabi Alonso, who recently took over at Chelsea. The article highlights the potential coincidence of Arbeloa and Alonso, former Real Madrid teammates, managing in the same league.
FútbolFulham Hold Talks with Former Real Madrid Boss Alvaro Arbeloa
Fulham are searching for a new manager after Marco Silva left upon the expiry of his contract, moving to Benfica as Jose Mourinho's replacement. The Premier League club has held talks with former Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa, who was recently sacked by Los Blancos after failing to win silverware. Arbeloa, a former Spain international and Liverpool defender, previously managed Real Madrid's reserve team before taking the top job. Fulham are also linked with Kieran McKenna, who resigned as Ipswich Town manager, and Ruben Amorim, who was sacked by Manchester United in January. Silva leaves a strong legacy at Fulham, having won the Championship title in 2021 and guiding the club to consistent mid-table Premier League finishes, including a club-record 54 points in 2025.
Mirror - FootballFulham Identifies Alvaro Arbeloa as Candidate to Replace Marco Silva
According to Foot Mercato, Premier League club Fulham has identified former Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa as a serious candidate to replace Marco Silva, who left to join Benfica. The 43-year-old Spanish coach, who is currently free after a blank season with Real Madrid following Xabi Alonso's departure, has reportedly already held exchanges with the London club. Arbeloa previously tried to save Real Madrid's season after arriving in January but faced setbacks. Fulham is now accelerating its search for a new manager, and Arbeloa is a top target. The story is expected to develop over the summer.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertThe Athletic: Fulham Wants Álvaro Arbeloa as Manager
According to The Athletic, English Premier League club Fulham has expressed interest in hiring Álvaro Arbeloa as their new manager, following Marco Silva's departure to Benfica. Silva left Fulham after five successful seasons, including a Premier League points record. Arbeloa recently left Real Madrid, where he coached for one season, finishing eight points behind Barcelona in La Liga and reaching the Champions League quarterfinals. Fulham has reportedly already held talks with the former Real Madrid and Liverpool player. Arbeloa previously played in England for Liverpool (three seasons) and West Ham (one season), making the move familiar for him.
F√∫tbol en AS.comAlvaro Arbeloa Could Replace Marco Silva at Fulham After Mourinho's Real Madrid Return
Alvaro Arbeloa, recently dismissed as Real Madrid head coach after six months, may quickly return to management at Fulham. The chain of events began when Real Madrid appointed Jose Mourinho, who left Benfica. Benfica then hired Marco Silva, who had just left Fulham after five seasons. Fulham has reportedly initiated discussions with Arbeloa, a former Premier League player for Liverpool and West Ham, as a credible candidate to replace Silva. The 43-year-old Spanish coach is familiar with English football and could bounce back swiftly in this managerial reshuffle.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuFulham Begins Negotiations with Alvaro Arbeloa as Potential Managerial Swap Emerges
Fulham has opened talks with former Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa to replace Marco Silva, who left after five years to join Benfica as Jose Mourinho's successor. Arbeloa's six-month tenure at Real Madrid ended on Tuesday, clearing the way for Mourinho's return. If appointed, it would create a managerial swap involving Benfica, Real Madrid, and Fulham this summer. Arbeloa, a 42-year-old former right-back who won two Champions League titles with Real Madrid and the World Cup with Spain, previously coached Real Madrid's reserve team. His first-team tenure included a Copa del Rey upset by second-tier Albacete, a Champions League quarterfinal loss to Bayern Munich, and a second-place La Liga finish. Fulham is searching for a new manager after Silva led them to an 11th-place Premier League finish in 2025 with a club-record 54 points.
虎扑 - 足球Real Madrid take first step towards Jose Mourinho return as official statement issued
Real Madrid have officially confirmed the departure of head coach Alvaro Arbeloa after a disappointing trophy-less season, paving the way for Jose Mourinho's return. The announcement comes days after Florentino Perez won the club's presidential election by a landslide. Perez had promised during his campaign to reappoint Mourinho, who reportedly has already agreed to leave his current role at Benfica. Arbeloa was only appointed in January but failed to inspire an upturn in fortunes, with Real Madrid finishing second in La Liga and failing to win the Copa del Rey or Champions League. The club also recently had a huge bid for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez rejected.
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