José Mourinho is poised to become the next manager of Real Madrid, according to reports from Fabrizio Romano. All terms have been verbally agreed upon between the Portuguese coach and the Spanish club, with documentation expected to follow imminently. The deal is initially planned as a two-year contract, and Mourinho is anticipated to travel to Madrid following Real Madrid’s match against Athletic Bilbao.
This move marks a return for Mourinho to the Santiago Bernabéu, where he managed between 2010 and 2013. During his previous tenure, he secured a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey, and a Spanish Super Cup in three seasons, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the club’s history. His time was also marked by intense media scrutiny and a sometimes fractious relationship with the club hierarchy.
Mourinho departs Benfica after a single season with the Portuguese giants, during which the team remained undefeated in league play but ultimately finished third in the Liga Portugal standings, missing out on Champions League qualification for the upcoming season. When questioned about his future on Sunday, Mourinho characteristically downplayed the speculation, stating there was a “99 percent chance” he would remain at Benfica. However, he also acknowledged ongoing discussions with Real Madrid through his agent, Jorge Mendes.
The appointment comes after a period of instability for Real Madrid, who are seeking a manager to restore consistent success and challenge for top honors. Mourinho’s experience and track record of winning major trophies make him an attractive candidate for the club’s president, Florentino Pérez. The return of the experienced manager is expected to bring a new dynamic to the Real Madrid squad and potentially revitalize their ambitions in both domestic and European competitions.
