Jose Mourinho is reportedly on the verge of making a dramatic return to Real Madrid, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claiming that the Portuguese manager has already reached a verbal agreement with the Spanish giants ahead of next season.
The development comes 13 years after Mourinho left the Santiago Bernabéu following a turbulent but successful first spell in charge of Los Blancos between 2010 and 2013.
According to reports circulating on Monday, only the signing of official documents remains before the deal is finalised. Mourinho is expected to sign an initial two-year contract, with an option for an additional year.
Reports also indicate that the former Chelsea, Manchester United and Roma boss is expected to travel to Madrid after Real Madrid’s final La Liga clash against Athletic Bilbao.
The move is being seen as one of the biggest managerial stories in European football, especially after a disappointing season for the Spanish club both domestically and in Europe.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is said to have personally pushed for Mourinho’s return as the club seeks a strong personality capable of restoring order within the dressing room after months of tension and inconsistency.
The Portuguese manager had reportedly planned to leave Benfica for the Portugal national team job before Madrid reignited discussions over a sensational comeback.
During his first spell in Spain, Mourinho was tasked with stopping Pep Guardiola’s dominant Barcelona side. Though his early months proved difficult — including a painful 5-0 defeat at Camp Nou — he eventually rebuilt Real Madrid into one of Europe’s most feared teams.
Under Mourinho, Madrid won the 2010/11 Copa del Rey before securing the 2011/12 La Liga title with a record 100 points, becoming the first Spanish side to hit that mark.
That team also scored a historic 121 league goals, a record that still stands in Spanish football.
Mourinho additionally guided Real Madrid to three consecutive UEFA Champions League semi-finals, helping re-establish the club as a major European force after years of struggles in Europe.
Reports suggest the Portuguese tactician will arrive with four members of his backroom staff as he prepares for another rebuilding task at the Bernabéu.
His return is also expected to generate significant interest because of the current dynamics inside the Real Madrid squad, particularly involving star players Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe.
Spanish media reports in recent months have highlighted concerns about dressing-room discipline and internal tensions after Madrid ended the season without a major trophy.
Mourinho’s reputation as a strong dressing-room manager is believed to be one of the key reasons behind the club’s decision to pursue him again.
The Portuguese coach has enjoyed one of the most decorated managerial careers in football history, winning league titles in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain, alongside two UEFA Champions League trophies.
Despite criticism in recent years over his style of football, Mourinho remains one of the most recognisable and influential figures in global football.
Real Madrid are yet to officially confirm the appointment, but multiple reports indicate an announcement could be made shortly after the club’s final game of the season against Athletic Bilbao.
