Fulham confirm Alvaro Arbeloa as new manager on three-year contract

Fulham have confirmed the appointment of Álvaro Arbeloa as the club’s new manager following Marco Silva’s departure to Benfica earlier this summer.

The former Real Madrid boss has signed a three-year contract at Craven Cottage.

Arbeloa arrives after a rapid rise through the coaching ranks at Madrid, where he progressed from the academy to the Castilla side before taking charge of the senior team during the second half of last season.

The 43-year-old replaces Silva, who spent five years at Fulham after guiding the club back to the Premier League and establishing them as a consistent top-flight side.

Fulham had considered more than one candidate for the vacancy, but Arbeloa ultimately convinced the club’s hierarchy during talks over his football philosophy, coaching staff and long-term vision.

Speaking after his appointment was confirmed, Arbeloa said he was excited to begin a new chapter in English football.

The Spaniard added that he was looking forward to meeting the players, experiencing the atmosphere at Craven Cottage and beginning pre-season preparations.

Owner Shahid Khan described Arbeloa as the outstanding candidate for the role after a series of meetings throughout June.

Khan praised the Spaniard’s ambition, attacking philosophy and commitment to youth development, believing he is the right coach to take Fulham forward.

Tony Khan also welcomed the appointment, highlighting Arbeloa’s football knowledge, work ethic and determination to succeed in the Premier League.

Arbeloa’s coaching career began with Madrid’s youth teams, where he enjoyed considerable success.

He won league titles at multiple academy levels before leading the club’s under-19 side to a domestic and European treble.

That work earned him promotion to Real Madrid Castilla before he was handed the first-team job following Xabi Alonso’s departure.

Although his spell in charge lasted only until the end of the season, Arbeloa guided Madrid to second place in La Liga and produced an impressive Champions League run that included eliminating Manchester City before eventually losing to Bayern Munich.

Arbeloa enjoyed a decorated playing career with Liverpool, Madrid and Spain.

He won two Champions League titles, La Liga, the FIFA World Cup and two European Championships before ending his playing career with West Ham United in 2017.

Arbeloa will now begin preparations for his first season at Fulham, with his competitive debut set to come against Chelsea in the opening round of the new Premier League campaign.