East fulham Manager Marco Silva turned down not one but two more lucrative opportunities before accepting an offer from Benfica, according to the latest claims emerging from Portugal.
Silva's departure from Craven Cottage opens a chapter of managerial drama this summer, with the Portuguese coach repeatedly insisting Money was not the deciding factor Behind his return home.
But new comments from Saudi Arabia now appear to support that claim.
Al Nassr confirmed Silva was top target
story broadcast by record In comes Al Nassr's former legal director in Portugal Saad Al-Subaie, who has revealed that the Benfica manager was the Saudi club's preferred candidate to replace Jorge Jesus.
Speaking via social media, Al-Subaei claimed that Silva was not just a name on the shortlist.
"The first and strongest option was Marco Silva, but at the last minute he decided his destination and signed with Benfica."
During the lengthy Benfica negotiations, most attention was focused on Silva's decision to walk away from Fulham's renewal offer. Now the Saudi side has confirmed that Al Nasser was also working hard to secure his signature.
According to the former executive, Silva remained the leading candidate for much of the process before ultimately choosing Benfica.
there is more money available elsewhere
portuguese newspaper game Give special emphasis to the financial aspect of the decision.
The newspaper says Silva rejected Fulham's renewal offer and Al Nassr's approach, despite both offers being worth more than the package ultimately offered by Benfica.
This is very much in line with the message given by Silva during his official Benfica presentation.
At the time of the unveiling, he openly admitted that the financial side was not the deciding factor behind his move.
"With regard to the financial side, it was not at all the main reason why I am here at the moment. Otherwise I would not be here," Silva explained.
Fulham's former manager also admitted this "The emotional side is very important" In his decision.
benfica won the challenge
O Jogo suggests that Silva saw Benfica as an opportunity to return to competing for major honors on a regular basis. This was something he himself referenced during his presentation.
The newspaper argues that the prospect ultimately outweighs the financial benefits available through both Saudi Arabia and the new Fulham contract.
This is an interesting detail as the public discussion surrounding Silva's departure often focused on the wage gap between Benfica and Fulham.
The latest reports suggest that there was an even bigger financial inducement on the table.
According to the Saudi side, Al Nasser wanted Silva to replace Jorge Jesus more than anyone else. However, according to Silva himself, the allure of Benfica proved stronger than the money offered elsewhere.
By the end of the process, he had better options available in both England and Saudi Arabia – and he still chose Benfica.
