Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho are in advanced negotiations regarding the 63-year-old manager’s return to the Santiago Bernabéu, according to reports from Fabrizio Romano. Despite Mourinho’s public insistence that talk of a return is "just speculation," Romano reports that the deal is active and that Benfica has already approved his departure following their final league match on May 16. The appointment remains subject to a final proposal from club president Florentino Pérez, who is reportedly seeking a disciplinarian to stabilise a dressing room under pressure after two consecutive seasons without a major trophy.
The rationale for Mourinho's second tenure
Real Madrid’s pursuit of Mourinho follows a period of significant institutional instability under interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa. The squad’s lack of silverware has been compounded by reports of internal friction, including a physical altercation between senior midfielders Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni. By targeting Mourinho, Pérez is prioritising a proven "strongman" capable of managing a high-profile squad that now includes Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. During his previous tenure between 2010 and 2013, Mourinho ended Barcelona’s dominance with a record 100-point La Liga title, though his exit was famously clouded by clashes with key figures like Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos.
Contractual status and negotiation hurdles
Mourinho is currently under contract with Benfica until June 2027, having transitioned to the Portuguese side following his stints in Italy and Turkey. However, the Lisbon club appears prepared to facilitate his exit given the scale of the Madrid offer. Speaking at a recent press conference, Mourinho claimed there has been "no official contact," but Romano suggests the manager would be ready to accept immediately should a formal offer arrive. This managerial search marks a shift for Madrid, who have experimented with internal appointments and long-term extensions for Carlo Ancelotti since 2023. If confirmed, Mourinho would take over a side that has struggled for tactical identity since the departure of Xabi Alonso in early 2026.
The deal is expected to accelerate once the Primeira Liga season concludes, with Pérez expected to deliver a final decision before the summer transfer window opens.