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Jose Mourinho is reportedly in final negotiations to make a sensational return to Real Madrid, more than a decade after his first spell at the Santiago Bernabeu.
According to reports, the Portuguese manager has emerged as the clear favourite to become the club’s next head coach and is currently the only candidate in active discussions with the Spanish giants.
If an agreement is reached, Mourinho would replace Alvaro Arbeloa, who only took over managerial duties in January following the departure of Xabi Alonso.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is believed to have revisited the idea of bringing Mourinho back shortly after Alonso’s exit, with initial conversations reportedly taking place between the club and Mourinho’s representatives.
The development has generated massive excitement among football fans, especially considering Mourinho’s history with the club and his strong relationship with Perez.
Mourinho is currently manager of Benfica, having signed a two-year deal with the Portuguese side in September last year.
However, speculation surrounding his future intensified after he declined to fully dismiss reports linking him with a move back to Madrid.
Speaking ahead of Benfica’s final league game of the season against Estoril Praia, Mourinho said he would address questions about his future after the match.
“There’s a match against Estoril, and from Monday onwards I’ll be able to answer questions about my future as a coach and Benfica’s future,” he stated.
The comments have only added fuel to growing rumours that a return to the Bernabeu is now close.
Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013 during one of the most intense and competitive periods in Spanish football history.
During his first spell, he guided the club to a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey triumph and a Spanish Super Cup victory.
His Real Madrid side was widely praised for its competitiveness, tactical discipline and ability to challenge Pep Guardiola’s dominant Barcelona team at the time.
Mourinho’s tenure also helped lay the foundation for the club’s later dominance in Europe, with several players from his era going on to win multiple UEFA Champions League titles in the years that followed.
Despite occasional controversy during his first spell, Mourinho remains a respected figure among sections of the Real Madrid fanbase due to his winning mentality and strong personality.
His potential return comes at a crucial moment for the club after a disappointing campaign that saw Real Madrid fall short in both domestic and European competitions.
Club officials are reportedly looking for an experienced manager capable of restoring stability, handling star players and immediately competing for major trophies.
At 63 years old, Mourinho remains one of the most recognisable and decorated managers in world football, having enjoyed success in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain.
Should the move be completed, it would mark one of the biggest managerial stories in European football ahead of the new season.
