12 May 2026 12:48 BST |
4 min read
Jose Mourinho has reportedly reached an agreement to become the new permanent Real Madrid manager.
The 63-year-old has been in talks with his former club for several weeks, amid the uncertain future of Alvaro Arbeloa, and it has emerged that he is Florentino Perez’s preferred candidate for the role.
Mourinho is currently in charge of Portuguese giants Benfica, having been appointed as Bruno Lage’s successor in September, and he is still yet to lose a league game since his move to the Estadio da Luz.
Following his impressive revival at Benfica, after an underwhelming spell in charge of Fenerbahce, Mourinho has been earmarked as Real Madrid’s primary target to replace Arbeloa, as confirmed by David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano.
Negotiations have been ongoing in recent weeks and according to Sacha Tavolieri, a full agreement has now been reached, with Mourinho set to join Los Blancos for a second spell this summer.
The Sky Sports reporter posted on X: “DONE DEAL. Jose Mourinho is set to become the next manager of Real Madrid!
“The Portuguese coach has reached an agreement with the club’s management. An official statement from Jose Mourinho is expected next week.”
Mourinho won three trophies during a three-year stint at Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, but he failed to win the Champions League at the Bernabeu and will be looking to put that right next season.
Official: Jose Mourinho responds to Real Madrid speculation
Benfica are currently third in the Portuguese top flight table, two points behind Sporting CP despite the fact they haven’t lost a league match this season, and a 2-2 draw against Braga on Monday evening means a top-two finish, and Champions League qualification, is unlikely with one fixture remaining.
However, when asked about a possible move to Real Madrid by reporters after the match, Mourinho insisted that failure to qualify for the Champions League won’t impact his decision on whether to stay at Benfica.
“You’re talking about Real Madrid, I’m not talking about Real Madrid,” he said. “I’m talking about Benfica, and the work we’ve been doing won’t change because we’re second or third. That’s not what’s going to influence my future.
“Obviously, Benfica wants to play in the Champions League, and so do I as a coach, but it has no influence whatsoever.”
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