This article was published on Gipedo, Politis' sports page
José Mourinho is poised to return to Real Madrid as manager, according to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, who posted on Tuesday that a full agreement has been reached between the two parties ahead of the new season. "Done deal. José Mourinho is set to become the next manager of Real Madrid. An official statement from José Mourinho is expected next week," Tavolieri wrote on X.
The claim marks a significant development in weeks of mounting speculation linking Mourinho to the Santiago Bernabéu, where president Florentino Pérez has been leading the search for a manager capable of restoring discipline and competitiveness to a squad that has endured a deeply disappointing campaign. Álvaro Arbeloa, who took over after the sacking of Xabi Alonso in January, is expected to leave at the end of the season.
A return after 13 years
Mourinho managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning the La Liga title with a record points tally, a Copa del Rey and a Spanish Super Cup. His return would come 13 years after a departure that was marked by a public falling-out with several figures at the club. Despite that difficult exit, he has remained a respected figure among large sections of the Madrid support for the intensity and winning mentality he brought to the club during that period.
✅ DONE DEAL
— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) May 12, 2026
🚨 José 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 José Mourinho is expected next week. #transfer #RMA #SLB pic.twitter.com/eCsIdT5Zu5
Contract clause opens the door
Mourinho is currently under contract with Benfica until 2027, but his deal contains a clause allowing him to leave for a compensation fee of approximately €3 million, provided the move is completed within ten days of Benfica's final match of the season, against Estoril on 16 May. That window gives Real Madrid a narrow but clear path to completing the operation at minimal cost.
As recently as 10 May, Mourinho publicly denied having had contact with the club. "I have not had contact with Real Madrid, and until the final match against Estoril, I will not have any. After that, I will have one week to speak with whoever I choose," he said at a press conference ahead of a Benfica fixture. Tavolieri's post on Tuesday suggests that position has since changed, though neither Real Madrid nor Mourinho have issued an official confirmation.
