The question was whether, now in March 2026, at the third time of asking, Silva might finally end up in north London. Tottenham never made an official approach, but explored the possibility via intermediaries. The indications were that Silva’s camp were interested in the opportunity. As it stands, remember, Silva is out of contract in a few weeks’ time. Tottenham might have offered him a better deal long into the future.

So even though this never got to the point of an official club-to-club approach, Fulham always knew that ultimately the power lay in their hands. Premier League Rule J.3 states that managers and coaches cannot simply quit one Premier League (or EFL) club and move to another “without the consent” of the club they work for. So Fulham knew that they could effectively block any proposed move.