José Mourinho Back to Real Madrid, After Verbal Agreement

Real Madrid have reached a verbal agreement with José Mourinho for the Portuguese manager to return to the club for a second spell, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The 63-year-old will sign an initial two-year contract, ending weeks of intense speculation.

The move comes after Real Madrid endured a disastrous season without a major trophy, leading to the dismissals of Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso, and most recently, Alvaro Arbeloa. Mourinho is expected to travel to Madrid after the club’s final La Liga match against Athletic Bilbao this weekend to finalise the deal.

Speaking after Benfica’s 3-1 win over Estoril, Mourinho confirmed contact between his agent Jorge Mendes and Real Madrid. “I’m not stupid… there are contacts between the club and Jorge,” Mourinho told reporters. “I believe they will turn into contacts with me during the next week”. He also confirmed receiving a contract extension offer from Benfica, saying, “My future should be decided this week”.

Benfica are set to receive approximately $8 million (€3 million) in compensation for Mourinho, who had a contract running through 2027. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is driving the appointment, believing Mourinho is the only figure capable of restoring order to a chaotic dressing room.

Reports indicate the Madrid locker room has become “like a powder keg,” with tensions boiling over between players including Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde coming to blows . Mourinho’s previous tenure from 2010 to 2013 saw him win La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup, though he never secured the Champions League.

Mourinho has already outlined his vision to the club, requesting defensive reinforcements and clear hierarchy in the team’s operational structure. Not everyone is welcoming his return, with legendary former goalkeeper Iker Casillas posting on social media: “I have no problem with Mourinho. He’s a very professional coach. But I don’t want him at Real Madrid”.