Marco Silva wants to build on his fabulous first two seasons with Fulham rather than manage in Saudi Arabia, according to reports in the English press this evening.
The i’s Mark Douglas reports that, far from being discouraged by Silva’s rejection of their first approach to become the latest big name to head to the Kingdom, Al-Hilal have tabled two more ‘eye-watering’ offers having been given the go-ahead by the Public Investment Fund. The PIF, who invested in Newcastle United, took over Saudi Arabia’s four biggest clubs and launched a concerted effort to bring big names to the country in the hope of boosting the prestige of their domestic competition.
Even though Silva has not yet committed his long-term future to Fulham, the 45 year-old feels a strong sense of loyalty to the Whites after he was offered the opportunity to prove his English detractors wrong when he beat Steve Cooper and Patrick Vieira to the Craven Cottage hotseat after Scott Parker left for Bournemouth. Silva wants to build on the success of last season, when Fulham finished tenth after winning the Championship, and has let it be known that is planning for a full season in charge.
The former Watford and Everton boss has publicly stated that he will wait to see whether the club’s ambition in the summer transfer window matches his own before deciding whether to sign the contract extension that Fulham’s hierarchy have offered him. He is also keen to continue managing in the Premier League to prove that he was dismissed too hastily by Everton, where the Whites will start their new season on August 12.
I think he will stay. Beyond the end of this coming season however is a doubt because I believe he has sky high ambitions, which is why he’s rejecting Saudi advances no matter how high the wages.
I think he’s aware if he goes to Saudi for 2/3 years even though the money will be good, a handful of star players doesn’t make the league much more competitive and his development as a manager will halt. He will be back to square 1 when he comes back to Europe after doing well to rebuild himself at Fulham, I imagine his ambition is to be in a top job with in the next 4/5 years and you won’t be considered for those positions managing in Saudi
I just hope the khan’s ambitions match Marco’s and he stays with us and gets us into Europe.