Arbeloa, Mourinho, Silva trading places - with agent key to swaps

Arbeloa, Mourinho, Silva trading places - with agent key to swapsImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Alvaro Arbeloa, Jose Mourinho and Marco Silva look set to be trading places in the space of just over a weekPublished14 June 2026ByNizaar KinsellaFootball reporterJose Mourinho to Real Madrid. Marco Silva to Benfica. Alvaro Arbeloa to Fulham?It may be one of the more unlikely managerial triangles but it looks set to be completed with Arbeloa nearing a move to west London.But how did it come about? It began, as it so often does, at the top of the chain.Recently re-elected Real Madrid president Florentino Perez decided to bring Jose Mourinho back to the Santiago Bernabeu from Benfica.That left Benfica searching for a manager and interim boss Alvaro Arbeloa without a role.Marco Silva's future had already been in doubt after being shortlisted by Chelsea. As a host of managerial vacancies opened up across Europe, he subsequently emerged as the primary target for the Portuguese club.Benfica secured their man despite Fulham offering a record contract to keep their manager of five years, with super-agent Jorge Mendes brokering deals for both moves.That leaves Arbeloa. Represented by Best of You agent Oscar Ribot, the former Liverpool defender is now in advanced talks to join the Cottagers. It highlights how Mendes, 60, has become a specialist in high-profile managerial appointments. The Portuguese has also been involved in Enzo Maresca's imminent move to Manchester City, while also working with Vitor Pereira, Unai Emery and Nuno Espirito Santo in the Premier League and Championship.This week another Mendes client was in the news. Cesar Peixoto, manager of Gil Vicente in Portugal, is set to take over from Rob Edwards as Wolves manager. Mendes' Gestifute agency has a close relationship with the Molineux club's owners Fosun.More broadly, 10 Premier League clubs will begin next season with new managers, or managers appointed towards the end of last seaso...