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Benfica coach Jose Mourinho has confirmed that his agent, Jorge Mendes, has been in contact with Spanish giants Real Madrid, further fuelling speculation about a possible return to the Santiago Bernabeu.
The 63-year-old Portuguese manager, who previously coached Madrid between 2010 and 2013, has recently been linked with replacing current coach Alvaro Arbeloa following another disappointing campaign for the club.
Speaking on Saturday after Benfica completed an unbeaten season in the Portuguese top flight, Mourinho acknowledged that discussions had taken place between his representatives and the Spanish side.
“There is contact between the club and Jorge,” Mourinho said after Benfica secured a third-place finish in the league standings.
Despite confirming the contact, Mourinho insisted he has not personally spoken with Madrid president Florentino Perez or any senior club official. He added that a decision regarding his future is expected within the coming week.
The development comes at a difficult moment for Madrid, who are set to finish a second consecutive season without winning a major trophy. The disappointing run has intensified conversations about the club’s direction and the future of the coaching position.
Current Madrid coach Arbeloa appeared to welcome the rumours, admitting he would be “happy” for Mourinho to succeed him if the club decides to make a managerial change.
Mourinho remains one of football’s most decorated managers, having won league titles in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain, as well as multiple European trophies. His previous spell at Madrid delivered a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey triumph and fierce rivalries that defined an era in Spanish football.
A potential return would mark one of the most talked-about managerial comebacks in European football.
