Fulham's Abel Ferreira is already being linked with the vacancy in the search for a new manager, but reports from Brazil suggest the Palmeiras boss will find it almost impossible to move away from his current club this summer.
With Marco Silva now in charge of Benfica, the Premier League side are expected to assess a number of candidates.
Abel's name emerged in English reports this week, with the Portuguese coach's success in Brazil making him an obvious candidate when European jobs become available.
Yet the latest information from Brazil paints a very different picture.
speaking for espn brazilJournalist André Hernán strongly rejected any possibility of Abel leaving Palmeiras before the expiry of his current contract.
"No matter what point of view, Abel will say no"
According to Hernán, Abel Ferreira has been completely consistent in discussions with Palmeiras president Leila Pereira and football director Anderson Barros.
The journalist explained that the manager does not see himself as someone who abandons a project midway and remains committed to the agreement signed with the Brazilian club.
Hernan said: "Today, to any inquiry, to any approach, Abel will say no."
Actually his stance is not new. this has already happened tottenham, chelsea, forest and wolves.
The reporter said he expected Abel to honor his contract until the end of 2027, the same year that Leila Perera's current presidency ends.
He believes the coach may have to spend several months away from football before seeking opportunities in Europe. Because of that timeline alone, Fulham will face a very long wait.
Sports example highlights Palmeiras' advantage
One of the more revealing details from Hernán's comments concerns past European interest.
The journalist pointed to an approach from Sporting and reported that the Portuguese side were unable to match the financial package Abel already received at Palmeiras.
This takes on additional significance given Abel Ferreira's long-standing relationship with Sporting. The Portuguese coach spent most of his playing career at the Lisbon club, finishing his career there and later working in the Sporting academy setup before moving into senior management.
In that context, the fact that Sporting were unable to lure him away from Palmeiras underlines how comfortable his current situation is in Brazil.
Abel is not working in difficult situations or waiting for an escape route. According to Hernán, he effectively has complete control over football affairs at Palmeiras, receives wages comparable to European standards and remains in a position of considerable influence.
Europe may have to wait
Hernán also discussed the possibility of interest from specific clubs. While stressing that the situation would naturally become more complicated if clubs such as Real Madrid or Barcelona were to become involved, he still presented the current reality as one in which Abel has no intention of leaving Palmeiras.
Furthermore, Palmeiras is alive in three major competitions and challenging for silverware on several fronts. Hernán highlights this fact as another reason why a departure from Abel's approach no longer makes sense.
So while Fulham are making lists following Marco Silva's move to Benfica, the message from one of Brazil's best-connected journalists is simple.
Abel Ferreira may have fans in England, but convincing him to leave Palmeiras this summer looks extremely unlikely.
