Benfica have already got their ducks in order ahead of Jose Mourinho’s likely departure next week.
The 2010 European treble winner is set to leave for Real Madrid after a disappointing trophyless season and a failure to qualify for the Champions League.
Benfica were clearly not impressed with Mourinho’s work, refusing to offer new terms on his two year deal until Madrid’s interest arrived.
As such, the coach is free to leave for just €7million, money Benfica are already preparing for a new recruit.
CMTV reporter Tania Laranjo, who broke the news of Mourinho finalising his Madrid return, also gave more details on Benfica’s replacement.
Marco Silva to Benfica
She said: “Benfica will receive something around seven million euros for Mourinho’s departure, and everything indicates that Marco Silva will indeed become Benfica’s new coach.
“Benfica should therefore also present a new coach next week.”
However, despite the Fulham coach appearing to be a good fit after his fine work in England, someone far less impressive in the Premier League was also considered.
Laranjo continued: “There were many people at Benfica – including Rui Costa – who wanted and even considered Ruben Amorim.
“But Ruben Amorim will not be available to coach Benfica, and negotiations with Marco Silva are now increasingly advanced.”
She clarified: “Ruben Amorim’s name was considered, and Rui Costa liked the profile of the former Sporting CP and Manchester United coach, but at least for now Amorim does not appear interested in Benfica’s current project.
“Marco Silva is now the preferred option. Negotiations and talks between Marco Silva and Benfica are already underway, and that deal also appears practically finalised.”
Explaining what went wrong with Mourinho, she added that Benfica’s late call to offer him new terms was enough to convince him of a Madrid return.
“Mourinho leaves Benfica disappointed,” the journalist continued.
“He leaves with the feeling that he was used as an electoral trump card.
“When he wanted to renegotiate and extend his deal by another year, Rui Costa did not want to do it.
“And only when Real Madrid came for Mourinho did Benfica finally move toward negotiations.
“By then, Mourinho felt it was too late and that nothing more could be done.”
She finished: “In the last few hours, Rui Costa’s management was informed by Mourinho that he did not intend to stay.
“Rui Costa reportedly insisted several times, both directly to Mourinho and also through his agent. But it was made clear that Mourinho would not remain and instead wanted to accept this new challenge at Real Madrid.
“Benfica already knows this by now, especially because the club is already preparing the replacement coach, who should indeed be Marco Silva.”
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