Real Madrid have initiated contact with Benfica manager Jose Mourinho as they look to bring the “Special One” back to the Santiago Bernabeu amid growing tensions and public fights within the squad.
Club President Florentino Perez is reportedly keen on appointing Mourinho ahead of next season, though a compensation fee will be required to terminate his contract with Benfica.
Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano broke the news on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday:
“Real Madrid have started José Mourinho operation with direct contacts now taking place. Benfica want Mou to stay at all costs but aware of Real talks ongoing; it depends on Madrid. Up to Florentino Pérez: he will decide if Mourinho returns or not.”
The move comes at a turbulent time for the club. This week, tensions boiled over when captain Federico Valverde was hospitalised with a traumatic brain injury after clashing with Aurélien Tchouaméni during training.
Earlier, Antonio Rüdiger reportedly slapped teammate Álvaro Carreras and was forced to apologise. There are also reports of players openly mocking interim coach Álvaro Arbeloa.
Mourinho, who previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, is seen by some as the disciplinarian needed to restore harmony in the dressing room.
