Mourinho in final talks toreturn to Real Madrid, 13 years after his departure

Jose Mourinho is in the final stage of talks to assume the role of Real Madrid’s head coach, thirteen years after his initial tenure at the Bernabeu.

The 63‑year‑old is the clear favourite and, at present, the sole candidate with whom Real Madrid is negotiating for the position.

He would succeed current head coach Álvaro Arbeloa, who assumed the role in January after Xabi Alonso left the club.

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez first entertained the idea of Mourinho’s return two days after Xabi Alonso’s departure, during preliminary talks with the Portuguese coach’s representatives.

Mourinho has been managing Benfica in his native Portugal since signing a two‑year contract in September, and only yesterday told the media that he was not ready to discuss his future.

“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 said.

Benfica’s final match of the season is against Estoril Praia on Saturday.

Starting Sunday, Real Madrid will have a window to finalize a deal for Mourinho at a relatively modest cost.

A clause in his contract permits him to depart for €3