Fulham are planning to bring Javier Pereira back to Craven Cottage to replace manager Marco Silva, who is ready to accept a deal to move to the Saudi Pro League, 90min understands.
Silva has previously turned down an approach from Saudi earlier this summer but now PIF-owned Al Ahli have returned having upped their offer to a two-year deal worth £40m.
Al Ahli have already enjoyed a busy and successful summer with the marquee signings of Roberto Firmino and Edouard Mendy, and they are set to follow that up by landing Riyad Mahrez from Manchester City.
Silva is currently en route to America as Fulham begin their pre-season games, but it’s looking increasingly likely that he won’t be in charge of any of their matches. The former Watford, Hull and Everton boss has just a year left on his current deal and has thus far rejected the Cottagers’ offer to extend.
Fulham, for their part, have been anticipating a renewed bid from Saudi for their boss and the club’s hierarchy have been working on who they could bring in to replace him. 90min understands the man at the top of their list is Javi Pereira.
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The 57-year-old is currently in charge of Chinese outfit Shanghai Port – who are six points clear at the top of the table – but he is set to be handed the chance to return to Fulham, where he previously spent four years across two separate spells.
Pereira was assistant to Slavisa Jokanovic for three seasons up to 2018 and then returned in 2020 as assistant director of football operations – working closely with current Fulham chief Tony Khan – before leaving to pursue a career as a manager.
Fulham are now negotiating the terms of Silva’s likely departure to Al Ahli, while working on a deal for Pereira to return.
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