Madrid
Benfica have announced that manager José Mourinho has agreed to return to Real Madrid, following the Spanish club’s decision to part ways with head coach Álvaro Arbeloa after a turbulent season without major silverware.
In a statement to shareholders, Benfica confirmed that Real Madrid have agreed to pay €15 million ($17.3 million) as compensation for Mourinho, with the Portuguese coach also giving his consent to the move. The club thanked their outgoing manager, stating simply: “Thank you, José Mourinho.”
Real Madrid, however, have not yet made an official announcement regarding Mourinho’s appointment, despite widespread expectation that the deal has been finalised. The move comes shortly after Florentino Pérez secured re-election as club president, with reports suggesting Mourinho’s return was part of his campaign promises.
Arbeloa’s departure had been anticipated after a difficult spell in charge. He took over in January following the exit of Xabi Alonso but was unable to reverse Madrid’s fortunes as the team endured a second consecutive season without a major trophy. In its statement, the club expressed gratitude for Arbeloa’s contribution, praising his “loyalty, commitment, and professionalism.”
Mourinho is set for a second stint at the Santiago Bernabéu, having previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013. During that period, he guided the club to a La Liga title and a Copa del Rey triumph, although his tenure was marked by intense rivalry with Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona and frequent controversies both on and off the pitch.
His return is expected to divide opinion, as his previous spell was defined by both success and tension within the dressing room. Nevertheless, he retains strong backing among sections of the fanbase and former players, including Arbeloa, who had publicly supported his comeback.
Following Arbeloa’s exit, Madrid are reported to have already lined up Marco Silva, formerly of Fulham, as Benfica’s replacement for Mourinho on a two-year deal with an option for an extension.
The coaching shake-up comes amid broader restructuring at the club, with Madrid also linked to major transfer activity after rejecting a reported €150 million offer from Atlético Madrid for Argentina striker Julián Álvarez, underlining the scale of ambition ahead of the new season.