José Mourinho has reached a verbal agreement on a two-year contract to return to Real Madrid, sources informed ESPN Brazil, as he wraps up his time at Benfica.
Recent reports indicate that Mourinho has emerged as the top candidate to take over at the Bernabéu, aiming to revive a team that has experienced two consecutive seasons without major honors.
While the contract is not yet officially signed, sources indicate that it has been verbally agreed upon.
Benfica is expected to receive €7 million ($8 million) in compensation, as Mourinho was under contract with the Portuguese club until 2027.
Mourinho previously managed Madrid from 2010 to 2013, competing against Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona and achieving one LaLiga title, one Copa del Rey, and one Spanish Supercopa.
He will succeed former player Álvaro Arbeloa, who stepped in as head coach in January following Xabi Alonso’s dismissal.
The situation regarding Arbeloa’s future remains uncertain, with club members suggesting he could retain some role within the organization.
Currently, Madrid trails champions Barcelona by 11 points in LaLiga, with just one match remaining in the season.
In the Champions League quarterfinals, they were eliminated by Bayern Munich, having previously defeated Mourinho’s Benfica in the knockout phase.
Following last week’s presidential elections announcement, candidates have until May 23 to declare their intentions, causing some ambiguity regarding when Mourinho will be officially presented as the new coach.
There are also discussions to potentially bring legendary midfielder Toni Kroos back to the club after his retirement in 2024, though the specifics of his role have yet to be defined.
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On Sunday, following the conclusion of the Portuguese league season, Mourinho acknowledged that his agent, Jorge Mendes, had been in talks with Madrid and that he had also received a renewal proposal from Benfica.
“My future will be decided this week,” Mourinho stated.
Despite going unbeaten in Liga Portugal this season, Benfica finished third, trailing Porto and Sporting after securing 23 wins and 11 draws.
Since leaving Madrid in 2013, Mourinho has managed Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham, Roma, Fenerbahçe, and Benfica.