Fulham consider former Nottingham Forest boss Vitor Pereira an ideal replacement for Alvaro Arbeloa, following the club’s disappointing start to the 2026/27 season.
Fulham have set their sights on Vitor Pereira as a replacement for Alvaro Arbeloa as the manager faces mounting pressure following a disastrous start to the season. According to Football Insider, the 58-year-old is emerging as a leading candidate should the Cottagers decide to part ways with Arbeloa.
Pereira is currently available after leaving Nottingham Forest in July, and his experience of steering Premier League clubs away from relegation has made him an attractive option. Arbeloa is fighting to save his position at Craven Cottage after Fulham failed to win any of their opening six league games.
Their latest setback came against newly promoted Ipswich Town, who scored twice in the closing stages to secure a 2-1 victory despite trailing until the 88th minute. The defeat has reportedly damaged the Spaniard’s standing with the club hierarchy. According to a separate Football Insider report, Arbeloa has just two games to save his job.
Fulham face Hull City at home before travelling to Coventry City, with positive results potentially buying the manager more time. However, further losses could leave his position untenable, particularly as sections of the fanbase have grown frustrated with the team’s performances.
Why Pereira could be an ideal fit for Fulham
Vitor Pereira’s availability makes him a realistic alternative if Fulham decide to act. The Portuguese coach left Nottingham Forest under controversial circumstances in July after his contract was terminated to make way for Oliver Glasner.
His departure angered sections of the Forest support, given the impact he had made after arriving in February. Pereira lost just three of his 12 Premier League matches in charge, helping the club move away from relegation trouble while also guiding them to the Europa League semi-finals.
His tenure at Wolves also won considerable credit for similar work stabilising a struggling club. Those experiences have strengthened his reputation as a manager capable of organising struggling teams and improving their results under pressure.
Pereira’s experience of steadying teams in free fall, most recently halting Forest’s slide into the relegation zone, mirrors the exact challenge Fulham now face. The club could therefore view him as the right man to stabilise their campaign if Arbeloa cannot turn things around.
The Cottagers face Hull City at home this weekend before travelling to Coventry City, with victories in these two fixtures potentially extending his tenure.
