Mourinho in final negotiationsto become Real Madrid's next manager

By Adegboyega Adeleye

José Mourinho, who previously coached Chelsea and Manchester United, is said to be in the final stages of talks to resume the role of Real Madrid manager, thirteen years after his initial tenure at the Santiago Bernabéu concluded.

Multiple sources, among them the BBC, indicate that the Portuguese strategist has become the sole and front‑running candidate under consideration by Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez to succeed current head coach Álvaro Arbeloa.

This development follows a disappointing 2025‑26 campaign for the Spanish club, which concluded without any silverware after Barcelona secured the La Liga title and Real Madrid exited the UEFA Champions League early at the hands of Bayern Munich.

According to reports, Pérez first entertained the idea of Mourinho’s return two days after Xabi Alonso departed the club earlier this year, and negotiations between Real Madrid and the 63‑year‑old’s representatives have accelerated in recent days.

Mourinho presently manages Benfica, having assumed the position on a two‑year contract in September. His agreement is said to include a release clause worth roughly €3 million that could be triggered within ten days of Benfica’s final league match. Benfica currently sit