News Focus
- Jose Mourinho has verbally agreed to become the new Real Madrid manager starting next season
- The Portuguese will take over from Alvaro Arbeloa following the final match against Athletic Club
- His contract will initially run for two years, with formal signing to occur upon arrival in Madrid
- This marks Mourinho’s second spell at the Bernabeu, thirteen years after his first tenure concluded
- Real Madrid hope the appointment will end their trophy drought and resolve recent dressing room conflicts
Real Madrid have pulled off a major managerial coup by securing Jose Mourinho for a dramatic return to the Bernabeu. The experienced Portuguese coach has struck a verbal deal to lead the Spanish giants from the summer. He will succeed Alvaro Arbeloa, who has been in temporary charge since replacing Xabi Alonso in January.
The move follows weeks of growing speculation about Mourinho’s future. Florentino Perez, the Real Madrid president, made the former Chelsea and Inter Milan boss his priority candidate last month. Talks between both parties intensified recently, resulting in a handshake agreement that clears the path for the Special One’s homecoming.
Mourinho is expected to land in the Spanish capital immediately after Los Blancos finish their campaign against Athletic Club next weekend. He will then formally sign his contract, which covers an initial period of two years. This represents his first return to the club since his original three-year spell ended in 2013.
The appointment comes amid a difficult period for the defending European champions. Three different managers—Carlo Ancelotti, Alonso and Arbeloa—have occupied the dugout during a trophyless 2024-25 season. Squad harmony has also collapsed, with a physical clash between Aurelien Tchouameni and Fede Valverde exposing serious rifts within the team.
Perez believes Mourinho’s strong personality will restore discipline and unity at the club. However, the 63-year-old faces a tough task rebuilding a fractured dressing room while satisfying the club’s demanding supporters. Real Madrid have failed to lift any major silverware since their Champions League victory in 2024.