Alex Iwobi is set to lose the manager who revived his career, with Marco Silva on the verge of a surprise move away from Fulham.
Silva, who first signed Iwobi from Arsenal while at Everton in 2019, brought him to Craven Cottage in the summer of 2023 and has since moulded the Nigeria international into a key cog in Fulham’s midfield.
This season, the 29-year-old has enjoyed his most productive campaign yet, with nine goals and six assists in 35 league appearances; more goal involvements than any other Fulham player.
Iwobi’s development under Silva has been striking. He has flourished in various roles across the midfield, benefiting from the Portuguese manager’s tactical trust and freedom to play between the lines.
Last season, he registered five goals and two assists in 31 appearances; now, he is Fulham’s most influential player in the final third.
Alex Iwobi’s influential coach set for Saudi move
Silva’s time in West London, however, appears to be nearing its end.
With three matches left in the Premier League season, reports from Saudi outlet Arriyadiyah relayed by Mail Sport suggest the 47-year-old has reached an agreement to take over at Al-Hilal ahead of the upcoming Club World Cup.
The Fulham boss has previously been linked with Tottenham Hotspur and other European sides, but the Saudi Pro League now looks set to lure him away, just months after former striker Aleksandar Mitrovic made the same move.
Fulham are currently 11th in the table after a stuttering run, and Silva’s exit could spell uncertainty for Iwobi, who finally found rhythm and recognition under his mentor.
The Super Eagles midfielder will now be watching closely, as Fulham prepare for a future without the coach who reignited his game.
