Marco Silva turns down £40m Saudi contract to stay at Fulham

Fulham won the 2021-22 league title under Marco Silva to secure promotion to the Premier League. Credit: Reuters/Andrew Boyers-Ahli and instead committed his future to Fulham as the club close to signing Wolves striker Raul Jimenez for £5.5m.

Silva was the target of an ambitious Pro League club with a two-year deal worth at least £20m a year, but the Portuguese chose to stay in England and is now expected to sign a new contract.

Al Ahli had already signed Riyad Mahrez from Manchester City, former Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy from Chelsea and wanted Silva to lead them into the new season next month.

Despite being offered a lucrative contract, Silva is willing to extend his two-year stay at Craven Cottage.

Silva confirmed the Saudi proposal, which was reported by Telegraph Sport on Saturday.

“I have answered for my club and will not talk about this situation,” he said. “I did not come here to discuss proposals and the situation.

“I've told you before and I'll say it again, I don't need to say many words here. I showed my commitment to this football club. My commitment to the football club is absolute.»

Raul Jimenez leaves Wolverhampton for Fulham Fulham are making a move that will increase uncertainty over the future of Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Jiménez will fly in from Wolves' training camp in Portugal to undergo a medical with Fulham.

The Mexican player's future was uncertain this summer and Fulham offered him the chance to revive his career.

Jimenez was pivotal for the Wolves following their return to the Premier League before suffering a serious head injury at Arsenal in November 2020.

Manager Julen Lopetegui signed Matheus Cunha in January to keep Gimenez handicapped in the first team and he will now take on a new challenge.

The arrival of Jimenez will put Mitrovic's future in doubt, and the Serbian striker will become Al-Hilal's main target.

Wolves sack strikers

Meanwhile, Wolves are also ready to part ways with Portugal international Daniel Podense after he was excluded from the squad.

Podens, who signed with Olympiacos for £16m, is training on his own at the Wolves headquarters in Compton while the club awaits suitable offers.

La Liga side Real Betis have expressed interest in the striker but have yet to make an offer.

Wolves remain interested in Bristol City midfielder Alex Scott after the Championship club turned down two offers.