Real Madrid

José Mourinho sets two key conditions for Real Madrid return

Mourinho, who managed Madrid between 2010 and 2013, has emerged as the club’s top candidate to replace Álvaro Arbeloa on the bench.

Marco Ruiz Roddy Cons

Update: May 11th, 2026 10:53 EDT

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Real Madrid are increasingly focused on José Mourinho as their leading candidate to take over from Álvaro Arbeloa, with growing belief inside the club that the Portuguese coach is the right figure to restore sporting direction at the Bernabéu.

According to reporting from AS, initial contact has already taken place between Mourinho’s agent, Jorge Mendes, and Real Madrid. However, talks are still at a very early stage and are not expected to advance significantly until both Real Madrid and Benfica have completed their seasons.

Mourinho talks on hold until Benfica’s season finales

Benfica remain in contention for Champions League qualification, and Mourinho is fully focused on finishing the campaign in Portugal. The Portuguese league season concludes on May 16-17, after which he is expected to make a decision about his future.

Sources close to the situation indicate there has been no direct contact yet between Mourinho and Real Madrid. That step is expected to come later and would represent the final phase of any negotiation process.

For now, the only confirmed communication has been between Mendes and the Real Madrid hierarchy. Adding another layer to the situation, Mourinho already has a contract renewal offer on the table from Benfica.

🚨🚨 BREAKING: Real Madrid are now convinced that JOSÉ MOURINHO is the BEST OPTION to become the new manager!

Benfica have started to consider him GONE. @jfelixdiaz pic.twitter.com/FDuJAOGIfL
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) May 6, 2026

Mourinho settled in Lisbon, but Madrid interest changes the picture

Mourinho is understood to be happy at Benfica, viewing his return as a homecoming that has allowed him to be closer to family while managing one of the most historic clubs in Portuguese soccer.

He began his coaching career at Benfica, and the emotional connection remains strong. However, the emergence of Real Madrid as a serious option would significantly alter his decision-making process.

The possibility has already prompted him to analyze the current situation at the Spanish club in detail.

Key conditions for a potential return to Madrid

Mourinho is not approaching the opportunity passively. He has already outlined two key conditions that would shape any potential return to Real Madrid.

The first relates to his influence in the transfer market. Mourinho would not be seeking control over individual signings, but he does want a voice in identifying which positions the squad needs to strengthen.

His early assessment is that the squad is unbalanced in several areas. During his first spell at the club, he played a role in bringing in key players such as Luka Modric, Sami Khedira, and Mesut Ozil, who became central figures in his project.

José Mourinho sets two key conditions for Real Madrid return — Mourinho on the touchline with Benfica. ANTONIO COTRIM

Structure and authority inside the club

The second condition concerns the internal structure of the club and the hierarchy around the first team.

Mourinho is not looking to change the overall organizational chart or dismantle the sporting structure. Instead, he wants clarity and respect for roles, particularly ensuring that the first-team operation is clearly defined and protected.

His priority is to avoid internal friction that could destabilize performance. Reports have pointed to situations this season involving Vinicius Junior and tensions around Xabi Alonso as examples of the kind of disruption he would want to prevent.

A limited window to finalize any deal

Real Madrid will have a short window of around ten days after Benfica’s final match to activate Mourinho’s release clause, which is reportedly set at €3 million, roughly $3.5 million.

After that period, the cost of securing his departure would increase, adding urgency to any potential negotiation.

For now, the situation remains fluid, but the direction is clear: Real Madrid are seriously evaluating a dramatic reunion with one of the most influential managers in the club’s modern history.