Jose Mourinho has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to return to Real Madrid as head coach on a two-year contract with an option for a third, following a meeting with Benfica president Rui Costa where he rejected a renewal offer. The deal, first reported by AS, is expected to be formalised following the re-election of Florentino Pérez as club president on 24 May. As part of his planned squad overhaul, Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand has already responded to interest from the Spanish giants, with the 26-year-old defensive midfielder describing the linked move to the Bernabéu as a "great honour."
Mourinho's Bernabéu Return and Pérez Realignment
According to reports in Spain, Mourinho's appointment is the central pillar of Florentino Pérez’s re-election platform. The Portuguese coach informed Benfica on 18 May that he would leave the Lisbon club despite completing an unbeaten domestic league campaign in the 2025-26 season. Madrid's urgency follows a second consecutive year without a major trophy, a decline that saw Alvaro Arbeloa fail to steady the squad after replacing Xabi Alonso mid-season. Mourinho is understood to have been tasked with restoring dressing-room discipline, with his 2+1 year contract structure reflecting a mandate for an immediate cultural reset at the club.
Hjulmand Identified as Priority Tactical Anchor
Morten Hjulmand has emerged as Mourinho's primary target to reform a midfield that has lacked a specialist defensive screen since the squad's recent tactical shifts. As first reported by COPE, the Danish international is valued between €50m and €80m by Sporting CP. Speaking to FootballTransfers, Hjulmand addressed the speculation by stating that being linked with Real Madrid is "a sign that the work has been done well." His profile fits a specific squad need for Madrid, who are currently managing the exits of veteran David Alaba and defender Dani Carvajal. Hjulmand’s 2025-26 form as Sporting’s captain has established him as the robust, tactically disciplined anchor Mourinho traditionally builds his structures around.
The transition is expected to accelerate significantly once Pérez's unopposed re-election is confirmed later this week.