Real Madrid president drives direct negotiations for Mourinho return

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is scheduled to meet with Jose Mourinho next week to finalise the Portuguese manager’s return to the club. The meeting marks a significant shift in the club’s recruitment strategy, with Perez personally driving the search and selection process rather than relying on the advisory network that influenced last summer’s appointment of Xabi Alonso.

Mourinho, who currently manages Benfica, has informed members of the Portuguese club’s hierarchy of his impending departure. This notification comes after he confirmed earlier this week that he had been offered a new contract by Benfica but had not yet studied the terms. The club has already commenced a search for a replacement, with Fulham’s Marco Silva emerging as a potential target.

The appointment follows the confirmation that outgoing manager Alvaro Arbeloa will not continue beyond the current season. Arbeloa’s departure is attributed to dressing room issues that have surfaced in recent weeks, prompting the club to seek a figure capable of restoring order and discipline. Mourinho, known as the ‘Special One’, is viewed as the candidate to address these internal challenges.

Real Madrid had previously considered several high-profile candidates, including Mauricio Pochettino, Jurgen Klopp, Massimiliano Allegri, and Didier Deschamps. However, Mourinho has emerged as Perez’s preferred choice. The manager previously led Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning three domestic titles during his tenure.

Mourinho is expected to sign a two-year contract with Real Madrid that runs until 2028. With the end of the football season approaching, the timeline for the appointment has accelerated, positioning the club to secure its new leadership before the start of the next campaign.