Jose Mourinho lined up for shock Real Madrid return as Perez plans manager change

Jose Mourinho could be in line for a remarkable return to Real Madrid CF, with reports in Spain and England suggesting Florentino Perez is seriously considering bringing the Portuguese manager back to the Bernabéu more than a decade after his first spell ended.

Real Madrid’s managerial situation has become increasingly unstable in recent weeks, with pressure growing on Álvaro Arbeloa following an inconsistent second half of the season. Promoted from within after Xabi Alonso’s departure in January, Arbeloa was seen as a continuity appointment, but results have done little to settle the mood around the club.

Winning just 14 of his first 23 matches has left Madrid facing the real possibility of ending the campaign without silverware, something that rarely passes quietly at a club of this scale.

That has pushed the club back into the coaching market.

And Mourinho’s name has re-emerged.

According to reports from The Athletic, Perez is taking a direct role in identifying Real Madrid’s next manager and has placed Mourinho at the top of his shortlist.

It would be one of the most dramatic managerial returns in recent club history.

Mourinho managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning La Liga and the Copa del Rey during a period where his rivalry with Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona defined Spanish football.

His first spell was turbulent but competitive, and Perez is understood to value both his personality and his ability to handle dressing-room pressure.

That remains one of Mourinho’s strongest qualities.

However, a return would not be without internal resistance.

Recent controversy surrounding comments made after a Benfica match involving Vinícius Júnior has reportedly created some discomfort among figures inside Madrid, particularly given the sensitivity around the issue.

That could complicate the process.

Mourinho is currently in charge of SL Benfica and remains under contract until 2027, but reports suggest there is a clause allowing him to leave at the end of this season.

That changes the picture significantly.

Benfica have remained highly competitive under him and are still unbeaten domestically, although they remain behind FC Porto in the title race.

It has been a strong campaign in many respects.

But Real Madrid is a different level of pull.

Having followed Mourinho’s career through multiple elite jobs, opportunities like Madrid do not come around often, especially when there is unfinished business attached to them.

That is what makes this story feel credible.

Real Madrid are not working on one option alone.

Jürgen Klopp, Mauricio Pochettino and Didier Deschamps have all been discussed internally as possible alternatives.

Klopp, however, has publicly dismissed previous links.

Deschamps will become available after the World Cup, while Pochettino remains one of the most experienced elite-level options currently without a long-term club commitment.

That keeps the market open.

But Mourinho remains the standout name.

Not because he is the easiest choice.

Because he may be the one Perez trusts most.

Real Madrid are expected to make a decision on their managerial future once the season ends, with Perez leading the process directly. Arbeloa’s final results could still influence timing, but the search for alternatives is clearly active.

Mourinho’s situation at Benfica will also be one to monitor closely.

If the clause in his contract is triggered, the possibility of a Bernabéu return becomes far more real.