Alvaro Arbeloa Nears Fulham Appointment After Real Exit

Alvaro Arbeloa is set to join Fulham in the Premier League after leaving Real Madrid. Real Madrid announced his departure to make way for Jose Mourinho's return as manager. Arbeloa succeeded Xabi Alonso in January. His tenure began with a Copa del Rey loss to Albacete. By the end of the 2025-26 season, relations with several Real Madrid players had become toxic. Fulham view Arbeloa as a possible replacement for Marco Silva. Marco Silva left Craven Cottage to replace Mourinho at Benfica. Talks with Arbeloa's representatives are ongoing, and Fabrizio Romano said an agreement is almost in place. Arbeloa said he could not play his preferred style at the Bernabeu while trying to keep the club's biggest players happy. He hopes to show his true potential at Fulham, and the club's hierarchy appears supportive. Real Madrid will keep one eye on Arbeloa's situation. Alex Livesey provided the accompanying photograph.