Real Madrid reached a verbal agreement to sign Jose Mourinho as their new manager ahead of the 2026/2027 season.
The Special One is set to return to the Santiago Bernabéu for a second stint, thirteen years after his initial departure in 2013.
According to reports from top transfer experts, Fabrizio Romano, Mourinho and Real Madrid have settled on an agreement.
​The Portuguese coach will sign a two-year deal, keeping him at the helm until June 2028. While the verbal agreement is complete, the official signing of documents is expected after Real Madrid’s final La Liga fixture against Athletic Club this coming weekend.
​Madrid will reportedly trigger a €3 million to €6 million release clause in Mourinho’s contract with Benfica, where he recently completed a successful season.
The decision to bring back the 63-year-old Portuguese tactician comes after a turbulent 2025/26 campaign for Los Blancos.
Following the departure of Xabi Alonso earlier in the year and a difficult interim period under Alvaro Arbeloa, the club found itself in a rare state of internal friction.
​Reports of dressing room unrest most notably a public spat between Tchouameni and Valverde and a 14-point deficit behind rivals Barcelona in the league standings forced President Florentino Pérez to seek a strongman profile.
Mourinho, known for his iron-fisted leadership and ability to handle superstar egos, was identified as the only candidate capable of restoring discipline and tactical identity.
Mourinho’s first spell in Madrid from 2010 to 2013, remains legendary for breaking the dominance of Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona.
Fans still reminisce about the 2011-12 League of Records, where Real Madrid secured 100 points and scored an unprecedented 121 goals.
The arrival of Mourinho signals a massive summer reset which Real Madrid need so badly after the horror they suffered this season.
Rumors are already swirling regarding a squad cull, with up to nine players potentially facing the exit door to make room for reinforcements that fit Mourinho’s pragmatic and high-intensity style.
​The excitement among the Madridistas is palpable. For many, Mourinho represents the grit and competitive fire needed to navigate a transitional era and integrate stars like Kylian Mbappé into a winning system.
​With the agreement now in place, the footballing world awaits the iconic image of Mourinho holding the white shirt once more like he did during his first spell at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Special One is back, and the era of Mourinho 2.0 at Real Madrid has officially begun despite fans still awaiting an official announcement and unveiling.
