José Mourinho Sets to Return As Real Madrid Head Coach, Eyes Osimhen

Former Chelsea and Manchester United boss José Mourinho is reportedly in final negotiations to return as Real Madrid manager, 13 years after ending his first spell at the Santiago Bernabéu.

This is even as reports have emerged that
Mourinho has already identified Nigeria born Galatasaray striker, Victor Osimhen as the striker to lead the line for him.

According to multiple reports, including the BBC, the Portuguese tactician has emerged as the leading and currently only candidate being considered by Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez to replace current head coach Álvaro Arbeloa.

The latest development comes after a disappointing 2025-26 season for the Spanish giants, who ended the campaign without a trophy following Barcelona’s La Liga triumph last and an early UEFA Champions League exit against Bayern Munich.

Reports claim Pérez first considered the possibility of Mourinho’s return two days after Xabi Alonso left the club earlier this year, with talks between Real Madrid and the 63-year-old’s representatives progressing rapidly in recent days.

Mourinho is currently in charge of Benfica after taking over the Portuguese side on a two-year contract last September, but his deal reportedly contains a release clause that would allow him to leave for around €3 million within 10 days of Benfica’s final game of the season. Benfica are currently third in the Primeira Liga table.

Speaking ahead of Benfica’s final league match against Estoril Praia, Mourinho refused to directly address speculation surrounding his future.

“There’s a match against Estoril, and from Monday onwards I’ll be able to answer questions about my future as a coach and Benfica’s future,” he said

Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup during a fiery but successful era at the club.

The Portuguese manager has also publicly compared Osimhen to Ivorian legend, Didier Drogba, who he brought to Chelsea.
Osimhen’s potential arrival would allow Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr to return permanently to wider positions where they are most dangerous.