Jose Mourinho has reportedly been lined up for a stunning return to Real Madrid this summer, according to The Athletic. The Portuguese manager is the favoured choice of Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to replace current boss Alvaro Arbeloa.
Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, securing one LaLiga title, a Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. His tenure was marked by intense battles with Pep Guardiola's Barcelona.
The report claims Perez has taken personal charge of the search for a new manager, after approving general manager Jose Angel Sanchez's choice of Xabi Alonso last year. Alonso was sacked after just eight months, and Arbeloa was promoted from the B-team. Arbeloa has overseen 14 wins, two draws, and seven defeats, with Real Madrid facing a second consecutive trophyless season after their Champions League exit to Bayern Munich and falling behind in LaLiga.
Mourinho is currently in charge of Benfica, having returned to the Portuguese giants in September after 25 years. Benfica remain unbeaten in the league under his leadership, but trail leaders Porto by seven points. Daily Mail Sport understands Benfica have had no contact from Real Madrid regarding an approach for Mourinho.
Reports suggest Real Madrid would need to pay a £2.6 million release clause in Mourinho's Benfica contract, which runs until 2027. Mourinho and Perez are believed to have a strong relationship, with Perez previously acknowledging that Mourinho raised the club's level, contributing to an era of Champions League dominance.
Speculation about Mourinho's return emerged early this season after Alonso's dismissal, coupled with matches between Benfica and Real Madrid. Mourinho's side famously beat Real Madrid 4-2 in the Champions League league phase, with goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scoring a 98th-minute goal to secure a play-off spot.
The two sides met again in the last-16, where controversy arose after Vinicius Jr accused Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni of racial abuse. Prestianni was handed a provisional one-match ban, later extended to a six-game suspension for homophobic conduct, with three matches suspended for two years. Mourinho initially suggested Vinicius Jr may have 'incited' the crowd but later vowed to expel Prestianni if found guilty.
Mourinho's previous stint at Real Madrid included a high-profile falling out with legendary goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who was dropped in favour of Diego Lopez. Casillas reacted to reports of Mourinho's potential return with popcorn emojis on social media.
