Jose Mourinho Set for Real Madrid Return on Two-Year Deal

Mourinho agrees Real Madrid comeback

After a turbulent season with dressing room issues and no major trophies, Real Madrid turn to Mourinho to rebuild ahead of 2026/27.

Mourinho to replace interim coach at Real Madrid after Benfica exit clause...

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Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reported on Monday that Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid have reached a full agreement. The Portuguese coach is expected to sign a two-year deal and return to the Bernabeu for a second spell as manager.

Real Madrid plan to confirm the appointment next week once their final LaLiga game is done. Los Blancos host Athletic Club on Saturday evening.

The deal is possible due to a clause in Mourinho’s contract with Benfica. Either side can end the agreement within 10 days of the Liga Portugal season finishing for a fee of around 3 million euros.

The Portuguese manager said he would use the coming days to reflect and confirmed that Benfica had made him a renewal offer. Club president Rui Costa also said he would speak to members this week to explain the situation.

If the move goes through, it will end Mourinho’s second spell at Benfica. He first returned to Lisbon in September to replace Bruno Lage, 11 matches into the 2000/01 season.

Across 45 games he picked up 27 wins, with Benfica finishing third and missing out on Champions League qualification. The team was also knocked out in the quarter-finals of the Taca de Portugal, the semi-finals of the Taca da Liga, and the Champions League playoffs against Real Madrid.

🚨 BREAKING: José Mourinho back to Real Madrid, HERE WE GO! 💣🤍

All terms have been verbally agreed between José Mourinho and Real Madrid, waiting to sign all documents.

Plan for initial two year deal, JM to travel to Madrid after Real-Bilbao game.

The Special One is back. pic.twitter.com/K267WgiqjC

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 18, 2026

Mourinho will return to Madrid facing a difficult situation. Real Madrid will finish second in LaLiga, lost the Super Cup, went out in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey, and were eliminated in the Champions League quarter-finals. The season was also marked by several conflicts within the dressing room.

The campaign started with Xabi Alonso as head coach and ended with Alvaro Arbeloa in charge on an interim basis.