Fulham have named Alvaro Arbeloa as their new manager on a three-year deal.
The 43-year-old, formerly in charge at Real Madrid, replaces Marco Silva, who has agreed to take over at Benfica.
Arbeloa said it is an honour to begin a new chapter at Fulham, describing the club as London’s oldest and expressing gratitude to chairman Shahid Khan and vice-chairman Tony Khan for their trust as he takes the reins in the Premier League.
Shahid Khan praised Arbeloa’s ambition and the experience he has gathered around elite players, clubs, and methods, saying those qualities will benefit Fulham. He added that Arbeloa is enthusiastic about the academy and committed to giving young players opportunities, as well as playing on the front foot.
Arbeloa’s candidacy was bolstered by strong endorsements from newly re-elected Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and Madrid’s new manager Jose Mourinho, under whom Arbeloa previously played at the Bernabeu.
Arbeloa departed Real Madrid at the end of last season and was succeeded by Mourinho, who left Benfica. Silva subsequently chose to join the Portuguese club as Mourinho’s replacement despite offers to remain at Fulham.
Last month, vice-chairman Tony Khan said Silva had initially indicated he wanted to stay at Craven Cottage, but later changed his mind, surprising the board after five successful years.
Thomas Frank, formerly of Tottenham and Brentford, had been linked with the Fulham job. Ex-Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna was also considered but viewed as too costly at a reported £8m before salary and staff expenses.
Before stepping up, Arbeloa worked in Real Madrid’s academy and became interim first-team manager after Xabi Alonso’s departure in January. He oversaw the final 28 matches of the season, guiding Madrid to second place in La Liga and a Champions League quarter-final exit to Bayern Munich.
Arbeloa is interested in bringing in several players, including attacking midfielder Franco Mastantuono, full-back Fran Garcia, and forward Gonzalo Garcia.