José Mourinho is reportedly close to returning to Real Madrid, with several reports stating that the Portuguese coach has verbally agreed terms with the club. According to the information attributed to Fabrizio Romano, all conditions between Mourinho and Real Madrid have been agreed verbally, with only the signing of documents remaining. The planned deal is described as an initial two-year contract, while Mourinho is expected to travel to Madrid after the match between Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao.
The reports say Mourinho is expected to replace Álvaro Arbeloa, who has been serving as interim coach. If confirmed, this would make Mourinho Real Madrid’s fourth first-team coach in just one year, after Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso and Arbeloa. For around two weeks, Mourinho had been mentioned as the leading and eventually the only remaining candidate for the Real Madrid bench, while names such as Mauricio Pochettino and Didier Deschamps were also previously linked with the role.
Mourinho’s possible return comes 13 years after his first spell at the Santiago Bernabéu, where he coached Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013. During that period, he won one La Liga title, one Spanish Cup and one Spanish Super Cup. Reports also state that an official presentation could take place next week.
The context around the decision is tied to the tense situation inside the club. Recent incidents, including reported disagreements between players and Kylian Mbappé’s public tension with Arbeloa after the match against Oviedo, are described as strengthening the belief among club officials that Real Madrid needs a coach with Mourinho’s authority. He is presented as the figure considered capable of restoring order in a dressing room described by media as highly unstable.
Before the latest reports of an agreement, Mourinho himself said that his future would be decided during the week. He stated that he had an offer from Benfica and no direct proposal from Real Madrid, but also admitted that “there is something” and that he needed time and space to make a decision. Benfica finished the Portuguese league season unbeaten under Mourinho, with 23 wins and 11 draws, but still ended third with 80 points, eight behind champions Porto.
Florentino Pérez is also reported to have indirectly supported Mourinho’s return, saying that the Portuguese coach had already been at Real Madrid and had raised the club’s competitive level. According to the reports, the ongoing election process initiated by Pérez is not expected to prevent Mourinho’s arrival.
