Fulham have officially appointed Álvaro Arbeloa as their new head coach on a three-year contract, making the former Real Madrid manager one of the biggest coaching appointments ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League season.

The 43-year-old Spaniard replaces Marco Silva, who left Craven Cottage to take charge of Benfica. The move completes a chain reaction that also included José Mourinho's return to Real Madrid.

Arbeloa now faces the biggest challenge of his managerial career after taking charge of Real Madrid during the second half of last season. He guided Los Blancos in 28 matches, recording 18 wins, two draws, and eight defeats after previously managing Real Madrid Castilla.

Although this will be his first coaching experience in England, Arbeloa is no stranger to the Premier League. As a player, he made 98 appearances for Liverpool before finishing his career with West Ham United.

His first match in charge promises to be a special occasion. Fulham will open the Premier League season against Chelsea, now managed by Xabi Alonso. The two Spaniards were teammates at Liverpool and with the Spanish national team, while Arbeloa also succeeded Alonso on the Real Madrid bench last season.

The matchup is expected to be one of the standout fixtures of the opening weekend, featuring two former teammates beginning new chapters in English football.

Watch beIN SPORTS Xtra live and for free on YouTube