Jose Mourinho is set for a sensational return to Real Madrid after agreeing a two-year contract with the Spanish giants, according to sources cited by ESPN.
The agreement has reportedly been reached verbally, although the deal has not yet been signed. Mourinho is already said to be saying his goodbyes at Benfica, where he had a contract running until 2027.
Benfica are expected to receive around €7 million in compensation for the Portuguese coach.
Mourinho set for second Bernabeu spell
Mourinho has emerged as Real Madrid’s preferred choice in recent weeks as the club looks to recover from two straight seasons without a major trophy.
The 63-year-old previously managed Madrid between 2010 and 2013, during one of the most intense periods of the club’s rivalry with Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona. During that spell, he won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.
He is now expected to replace Álvaro Arbeloa, who took charge in January after Xabi Alonso was dismissed. Arbeloa’s future remains unclear, although some figures inside the club believe the former Madrid defender should stay in some role.
Madrid preparing major reset
Real Madrid are currently 11 points behind La Liga champions Barcelona with one round of games left to play. Their Champions League campaign also ended in disappointment, with Bayern Munich knocking them out in the quarter-finals.
The timing of Mourinho’s official announcement may still depend on the club’s presidential election process. Florentino Perez called elections last week, with candidates having until May 23 to submit their candidacies.
There have also reportedly been efforts to bring Toni Kroos back to the club. The legendary midfielder retired in 2024, but his potential role at Madrid has not yet been defined.
Mourinho addressed his future on Sunday after the Portuguese league season ended, confirming that his agent Jorge Mendes had been in contact with Real Madrid. He also revealed that Benfica had offered him a contract renewal.
“My future should be decided this week,” Mourinho said.
Another dramatic chapter for Mourinho
Mourinho leaves Benfica after an unbeaten Liga Portugal campaign, although the club still finished third behind Porto and Sporting after recording 23 wins and 11 draws.
Since leaving Real Madrid in 2013, Mourinho has managed Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham, Roma, Fenerbahce and Benfica.
Now, more than a decade after his first spell at the Bernabeu, he appears ready to return to one of the biggest jobs in world football. For Real Madrid, the move would mark a bold attempt to restore authority, discipline and silverware after a difficult period.
Comments 1
Not sure if that’s a really good decision 😕