According to reports from leading British media, José Mourinho is in the final stages of negotiations with Real Madrid, which could see him return to the Santiago Bernabéu for a second spell after 13 years. The 63-year-old Portuguese manager is currently the frontrunner for the vacant head coach position and is the only candidate with whom the club has officially initiated contact.
If the talks succeed, Mourinho would take over from current manager Álvaro Arbeloa, who assumed the role in January following the departure of Xabi Alonso. Just two days after Alonso left the club, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez began seriously considering the possibility of bringing Mourinho back and opened preliminary discussions with his representatives.
Mourinho is currently in charge of Benfica, having signed a two-year contract with the Portuguese club last September, marking his return to his home country. Speaking to the media just yesterday, Mourinho declined to comment on his future, stating, “We still have a match against Estoril. From next week onwards, I will answer questions about my personal future and that of Benfica.” The fixture against Estoril this Saturday will be Benfica’s final game of the season.
Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, during which he led the club to a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey victory, and a Spanish Super Cup triumph.
