Alvaro Arbeloa has taken charge of Fulham after Marco Silva left the club in June when his contract expired.
The 43-year-old Spaniard now faces the challenge of building on Silva’s work at Craven Cottage.
Fulham have already made several major moves in the transfer market. Arbeloa’s connections with Real Madrid have also influenced some of the club’s summer business.
With the Fulham Premier League 2026/27 campaign approaching, Sports News Blitz writer Dylan Grady looks at why the Cottagers could surprise a few teams.
Small sample size
Arbeloa became Real Madrid’s first-team manager on January 12, 2026. He replaced Xabi Alonso during a difficult period for the Spanish giants.
Madrid turned to Arbeloa after his successful work with Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s academy team.
The former Liverpool and West Ham right-back joined the Castilla setup in 2020. He initially managed the under-14 side before working his way through the academy system.
Arbeloa took charge of Castilla in May 2025. His work with young players helped him earn the opportunity to manage Madrid’s senior team.
His five-month spell with the first team produced mixed opinions. However, the circumstances made the job extremely difficult.
Madrid had struggled for form and lacked a clear identity before Arbeloa arrived.
Despite those problems, he guided the club to the Champions League quarter-finals. Bayern Munich eventually eliminated Madrid 6-4 on aggregate.
Madrid also finished second in La Liga. Barcelona won the title, finishing eight points ahead.
Arbeloa resigned on June 9. Club president Florentino Pérez reportedly wanted him to remain at the club as an assistant to the next manager.
However, Arbeloa wanted a permanent head-coach position. He believed his time with Castilla and the first team had prepared him for a new challenge.
Fulham now give him that opportunity in the Premier League.
La Castilla takeover
Fulham have been busy in the summer transfer window.
Arbeloa’s knowledge of Real Madrid’s young players has already influenced the club’s recruitment.
On August 3, Fulham announced the signings of Gonzalo García and César Palacios from Real Madrid.
García joined for a reported £34 million. The 22-year-old forward is expected to play an important role in the Fulham attack.
He scored four goals in six starts for Real Madrid before moving to England.
Palacios joined for a reported £8.5 million. The 21-year-old midfielder also signed a five-year contract.
He made five appearances for Madrid last season. His performances showed impressive close control and an ability to break defensive lines with his passing.
Arbeloa also considered bringing Thiago Pitarch to Fulham.
The 19-year-old midfielder made his Real Madrid first-team debut after Arbeloa promoted him in January.
Pitarch played 10 La Liga matches and six Champions League games last season. Arbeloa also trusted him to start both legs of Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich.
Fulham ultimately decided against a third Castilla signing.
Instead, the club announced the arrival of Shea Charles on August 11.
The Northern Ireland international joined from Southampton for an initial £26 million. The fee could rise to £30 million if he reaches certain performance targets.
Charles impressed in the Championship last season. He also scored important goals during Southampton’s campaign.
He scored a late winner against Premier League champions Arsenal at St Mary’s. That goal helped Southampton reach the FA Cup quarter-finals at Wembley.
Charles also scored in extra time against Middlesbrough in the play-off semi-final.
The 22-year-old now has an opportunity to establish himself in the Premier League.
Squad adaptation
Fulham still have one of the oldest squads in the Premier League.
Bernd Leno is 34, while Kenny Tete and Timothy Castagne are both 30. Club captain Tom Cairney is 35.
The squad has an average age of around 27.8 years.
That contrasts with London rivals Chelsea, whose squad is much younger at around 23.3 years.
An older squad can bring experience and leadership. However, Arbeloa will also need to introduce more energy and athleticism.
Fulham have already started that process.
The club added young wingers Kevin and Oscar Bobb last season. Both players are 22 and offer pace, creativity and direct running.
The recent arrivals of García, Palacios and Charles have added further youth.
Fulham therefore appear to have a stronger blend of experience and potential.
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