BBC has confirmed that José Mourinho is engaged in final negotiations to return as head coach of Real Madrid, 13 years after his departure from the Santiago Bernabéu.
The 63-year-old Portuguese manager is the club’s primary target and, according to reports, the only candidate currently being considered. He would replace current boss Álvaro Arbeloa, who took over on an interim basis after Xabi Alonso left the club in January last year.
Sources indicate that Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez first reached out to Mourinho’s representatives just two days after Alonso’s departure, sparking early discussions about a potential return.
Mourinho is currently in charge of Benfica in Portugal, having signed a two-year contract with the club last September.
When asked about his future during a press conference yesterday, Mourinho was cautious: “There’s still a match against Estoril to play. Starting Monday, I’ll answer questions about my personal future and Benfica’s future.”
Benfica’s season concludes on Saturday with a match against Estoril Praia.
During his previous tenure at Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, Mourinho famously broke Barcelona’s domestic dominance, leading the club to a record 100-point La Liga title in the 2011/12 season, scoring 121 goals. His achievements include winning the La Liga title, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup, as well as ending the club’s streak of early UEFA Champions League exits.
In 178 official matches with Real Madrid, Mourinho recorded 128 wins, 28 draws, and 22 losses, a win rate of nearly 72%.
