Real Madrid president Florentino Perez initiates advanced talks for Jose Mourinho's return as head coach
Negotiations are described as being in their final stages, though Mourinho awaits the conclusion of Benfica's season finale before confirming his future.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has moved to secure the services of Jose Mourinho as the club's next head coach, initiating discussions that have now reached advanced stages. The 63-year-old Portuguese manager, who currently leads Benfica, is identified as the clear favourite and remains the only candidate actively in talks with the Spanish giants. This potential appointment would see Mourinho return to the Santiago Bernabéu thirteen years after his initial spell in charge between 2010 and 2013.
The institutional restructuring at the club follows the departure of Xabi Alonso in January, a move that prompted Perez to begin exploring options for a permanent successor just two days later. Consequently, Alvaro Arbeloa assumed the role of interim head coach, a position he is set to relinquish if negotiations with Mourinho conclude successfully. The Portuguese manager has been in charge of Benfica since September on a two-year contract, having guided the Primeira Liga side to third place in the current table.
While the club views Mourinho as the definitive solution to stabilise its leadership, specific terms regarding salary and contract length have not been disclosed to the public. The finalisation of the deal remains contingent upon the outcome of ongoing discussions, with no official confirmation of the appointment yet issued by either party. This uncertainty persists despite the strong alignment of interests between the president and the former manager.
Mourinho has publicly indicated that he will not provide further comment on his future plans until after Benfica plays their final match of the season against Estoril Praia on Saturday. He stated that he will be able to answer questions regarding both his personal future and the direction of Benfica from Monday onwards. This stance leaves the timeline for an official announcement dependent on the conclusion of the upcoming fixture.
During his previous tenure at Real Madrid, Mourinho secured significant institutional success, including titles in La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. His return represents a strategic pivot for the club, aiming to replicate the trophy-winning culture of his first era. The focus remains on the governance and policy of rebuilding the squad under a proven leader rather than immediate on-field performance metrics.
