Reports from Spain suggest that Benfica are increasingly resigned to the possibility of losing José Mourinho, with Real Madrid strongly considering the Portuguese coach as the successor to Álvaro Arbeloa, whose departure is expected soon despite not yet being officially confirmed.
Mourinho still has one year remaining on his contract with Benfica, but his future remains uncertain. The agreement includes a relatively affordable €3 million release clause that can be activated by either the club or the coach.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, Benfica believe Mourinho may already have held discussions with Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez. The relationship between the two remains strong, and Pérez is reportedly viewing Mourinho as his preferred candidate to take charge at the Santiago Bernabéu. If confirmed, it would mark Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid, where he coached between 2010 and 2013.
Other Spanish outlets, including Esdiário, claim that Mourinho and Florentino Pérez have already spoken via video call, despite the coach publicly denying direct contact with the Spanish giants. During those discussions, Mourinho is said to have outlined several conditions for accepting the role, including a minimum two-year contract, greater media protection to focus solely on football matters, autonomy over technical decisions, the retention of his current Benfica coaching staff, the departure of certain players, and direct communication with the club presidency.
Potential changes to the medical department and end-of-season tour organization were also reportedly discussed.
While speculation intensifies in Spain regarding a possible move, Mourinho remains focused on Benfica’s upcoming clash against Braga on Monday, a crucial match in the race for second place in the league and qualification for the UEFA Champions League playoffs.
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