Real Madrid Line Up Jose Mourinho as Top Choice to Replace Arbeloa

Mourinho and Perez reconnect in Bernabeu comeback discussions

The 63-year-old Benfica manager is believed to be Perez’s preferred candidate to take over from outgoing coach Alvaro Arbeloa this summer.

Mourinho’s agent Jorge Mendes attended the call but did not actively participate, according to Spanish outlet Esdiario...

Reports suggest Jose Mourinho has met with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to discuss the terms of a possible comeback to the Bernabeu.

Madrid are on course to finish a second year in a row without silverware, and current manager Alvaro Arbeloa is expected to depart at the end of the season.

Multiple outlets now claim that Benfica manager Jose Mourinho, 63, is Florentino Perez’s top choice to take charge at Real Madrid.

Esdiario and journalist Sergio Valentin report that Perez and Mourinho held a video call to work through the specifics of a potential return.

🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Real Madrid are now increasingly convinced that José Mourinho is the BEST option to take over as manager.

Meanwhile, Benfica have already started to believe his departure is inevitable. 🇵🇹⚪️

(Source: @jfelixdiaz) pic.twitter.com/UpO1rwwfEd

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) May 6, 2026

According to the same report, Mourinho’s longtime agent Jorge Mendes was also present for the discussion but remained in an observational role.