Jose Mourinho (63) is being linked with a sensational return to both Chelsea and Real Madrid as managerial vacancies and instability at two of his former clubs invite speculation. Following Chelsea's dismissal of Liam Rosenior on 22 April and growing uncertainty surrounding Alvaro Arbeloa’s position at the Bernabéu, the current Benfica head coach has emerged as a high-profile candidate for both roles. While Mourinho is under contract in Lisbon until June 2027, he recently confirmed the existence of a specific clause in his agreement that allows for a mutual decision on his future within a 10-day window following the conclusion of the current season in late May.
Mendes negotiates as Chelsea hierarchy weighs tactical shift
According to reports in Spain from Football Espana, agent Jorge Mendes has already proposed Mourinho to Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez. The move comes as Arbeloa faces significant pressure following a Champions League semi-final exit and a stumbling domestic campaign. Despite Mourinho’s history at the club, former Real midfielder Guti expressed skepticism during an appearance on DAZN, stating:
Mourinho is a great coach, but frankly I think he's past his best now. I think there are coaches in better shape than Mourinho that I would sign.Simultaneously, OneFootball reports that Chelsea are considering Mourinho as a replacement for Rosenior, though journalist Ben Jacobs notes that the Bridge hierarchy remains resistant to a third spell. The club reportedly prefers younger tactical profiles such as Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola or Fulham’s Marco Silva to maintain their long-term project.
Contextualising the 'win-now' appeal at Chelsea and Madrid
The sudden demand for Mourinho’s services is largely driven by a lack of elite, immediate alternatives. With Julian Nagelsmann and Carlo Ancelotti committed to international roles ahead of the 2026 World Cup, both clubs find themselves in need of a proven winner who can stabilise a dressing room without a period of tactical transition. Mourinho has demonstrated his current sharpness at Benfica, most notably securing a 4-2 victory over Real Madrid earlier this season. For Chelsea, the move would represent a sharp u-turn from the Rosenior era; Rosenior was appointed on a significantly lower salary than the £15m-per-year packages Mourinho has traditionally commanded. If Mourinho triggers his 10-day exit window, he remains the only available manager on the market with multiple Premier League and La Liga titles, a factor that may eventually override the Board's preference for younger coaches.
The situation is expected to clarify in late May once Benfica’s season concludes and the 10-day activation period for Mourinho's break clause begins.