Marco Silva's fulham The exit appears closer than ever now that several key hurdles have now been removed, Portuguese newspapers report.
The recent report has focused on Benfica is getting closer to Marco Silva's demandsTuesday's coverage paints a clear picture. It makes clear what those demands actually were.
Silva wants influence on more than transfers
portuguese newspaper News bulletin Claim the biggest sticking point in negotiations has been Silva's autonomy over his coaching staff. His influence on the squad building and the structure of his contracts is also significant.
For several weeks, most coverage focused on the large financial gap between Fulham's renewal offer and Benfica's offer. However, Jornal de Noticias now suggest that talks have focused on how much control Silva will have upon returning to Portugal.
Benfica and Silva have spent recent weeks discussing guarantees over the composition of their coaching staff. He has also discussed his role in building the team. Furthermore, he has also talked about the duration of his contract.
The newspaper reports that discussions are still ongoing on whether the deal will last for two years with an option for a third season or whether it will be structured as a three-year fixed contract.
Either way, the proposed timeframe roughly matches Rui Costa's current presidential mandate.
Jornal de Noticias stated that Fulham continue to pursue a renewal of Silva and have not given up hope of keeping him despite Benfica's progress.
Separate reports proceed
While the Jornal de Noticias describes the conversation around influence and autonomy, morning mail The claim is that Silva has effectively been promised full control over next season's plans. They will also get complete control over recruitment related decisions.
Both newspapers broadly agree on the direction of travel but differ slightly on how much power Silva will ultimately receive.
Correio da Manhã also provides one of the most impressive claims of the day. He says that Silva has been working on Benfica squad matters for several days. This includes discussions regarding possible arrivals and departures.
If accurate, it would suggest that preparations are already underway, despite the fact that no appointment can be formalized until the Jose Mourinho situation is resolved.
The same report said that Silva wanted to make the announcement as soon as possible and start work immediately. However, Rui Costa is said to have asked for a few extra days. The reason for this is the uncertainty over a possible move for Mourinho to Real Madrid. According to Correiro da Manha, Silva accepted that request.
This presents an interesting contrast to some of the reporting of recent days, which has largely featured Silva as a pressure party. Here, the Benfica president is presented as a man who demands patience.
Fulham ready to get answers
Correiro da Manha also claims Silva is expected to return to England to inform Fulham in person of his decision.
This does not mean that the saga ends immediately. But this suggests that the process is entering its final stages.
So perhaps the most notable aspect of Tuesday's reporting is that the conversation now appears to be about what his role will be when he arrives. Doesn't feel like 'if' anymore.
Autonomy, staffing decisions, hiring influence, and long-term planning have become central themes. Fulham could be a turned page.
