Jose Mourinho has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to become Real Madrid’s next manager following his spell with Benfica.
The Portuguese coach is expected to replace Alvaro Arbeloa and sign a two-year contract that would bring him back to the Santiago Bernabeu more than a decade after his first stint ended in 2013.
According to reports from Spain, the agreement is expected to be finalised after Madrid’s final La Liga match of the season against Athletic Bilbao.
Real Madrid turn back to Mourinho after difficult campaign
Real Madrid’s decision follows another disappointing season that ended without major silverware. Club president Florentino Perez is reportedly seeking an experienced figure capable of restoring stability and authority inside the dressing room.
Mourinho previously managed Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning a La Liga title with a record 100-point campaign as well as the Copa del Rey.
Despite earlier insisting there was a “99 per cent chance” he would remain at Benfica, the opportunity to return to Madrid appears to have changed his position.
Benfica spell ends despite unbeaten league campaign
Mourinho leaves Benfica after overseeing one of the strangest seasons of his managerial career.
The 63-year-old guided the Portuguese club through an unbeaten Primeira Liga campaign, yet Benfica still finished third due to an unusually high number of draws.
While the achievement attracted praise, it ultimately failed to deliver the league title and opened the door for Mourinho’s departure.
