It’s one step closer to a Jose Mourinho Real Madrid deal after Real Madrid have been reported to be readying a reappointment of the Portuguese manager after his exodus from Benfica.
Real Madrid have reportedly offered to pay Mourinho around €15 million and Benfica have officially confirmed the news to the Portuguese market regulator. The club said the deal was “highly advanced” as the coach had already agreed to the transfer.
The news comes on the back of a series of rumors in recent weeks of Mourinho’s return to the Santiago Bernabéu. It was club president Florentino Perez who had previously rumoured his return, and which caused a buzz across European football. Mourinho has previously led Real Madrid (2010-13), a team that was beset by rivalries and home success.
Prior to the announcement, Real Madrid’s sporting hierarchy was in Madrid to hold meetings, with reports coming from the likes of Real Madrid director general José Ángel Sánchez and chief scout Juni Calafat. These talks were said to have concluded the outline of the deal.
It is a bold change in Real Madrid’s strategy with the return of Mourinho. He was also noted for his tactical discipline and dressing-room control, which he used to bring to the club to win one La Liga and secure two deep European Cup runs. His return will likely spark attention on structure and competitiveness.
The signing of the Monaco player is the latest in a string of recent departures for Benfica, but it will be a lucrative deal for them from a monetary perspective. Real Madrid’s acquisition will come in handy as they prepare for domestic and European competitions.
