Real Madrid are exploring the possibility of bringing Jose Mourinho back as their head coach. Talks are underway, with Mourinho’s agent, Jorge Mendes, working on his behalf.
Perez Driving the Managerial Decision
Florentino Perez, the president of Real Madrid, is reportedly the driving force behind the decision on who will be the next coach. This contrasts with the hiring of Xabi Alonso to replace Carlo Ancelotti at the end of last season, a process led by general manager Jose Angel Sanchez but approved by Perez.
Perez is keen to rebuild a project that has, in his view, fallen into disrepair. The club is set to end a second consecutive campaign without a major trophy, such as La Liga, the Champions League, or the Copa del Rey.
Other Candidates Considered by Madrid
While Mourinho is in talks with Real Madrid, other candidates have also been considered. These include Mauricio Pochettino, Jurgen Klopp, and Massimiliano Allegri. Didier Deschamps has also been mentioned internally as a possible option.
However, there is no indication that Madrid have progressed their interest in any of those names to the same extent as they have with Mourinho. Klopp has stated that he is happy in his role as Red Bull’s global head of soccer, a position he took up in January 2025. Pochettino said in early April that he would be open to staying on as USMNT coach after the World Cup, and that he had not held any talks with Madrid.
Mourinho’s Contract and Potential Release Fee
Mourinho is currently under contract with Benfica until June 2027. The contract includes a clause that allows him to leave within 10 days of the end of their season if a release fee of around €3million (£2.6m) is paid. There is no suggestion at this stage of club-to-club negotiations between Madrid and Benfica.
While Mourinho is content at Benfica, where the club are keen to retain him on fresh terms, he is reportedly open to a return to Real Madrid. He previously managed the club for three years, during which he won three trophies. These included the 2011-12 La Liga title, the Copa del Rey in 2011, and the Supercopa de Espana in 2013.
Ongoing Discussions and Perez’s Decision
Talks are ongoing with agent Jorge Mendes working on Mourinho’s behalf, with the 63-year-old’s initial position outlined as Perez ponders his decision.
Real Madrid’s 79-year-old president wants to rebuild a project that has fallen into disrepair, with the club set to end a second consecutive campaign without winning a major trophy such as La Liga, the Champions League or the Copa del Rey.