Real Madrid are preparing for major changes after another chaotic season at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Los Blancos ended the campaign without a trophy and suffered a painful defeat against Barcelona which handed their rivals the LaLiga title and increased pressure on manager Alvaro Arbeloa.
Florentino Perez already faced growing criticism from supporters because of the club’s performances this year.
However, tensions behind the scenes also worsened during the final weeks of the season.
Federico Valverde reportedly ended up in hospital after a training ground clash with teammate Aurelien Tchouameni. Both players later received heavy fines from the club after the incident.
Meanwhile, Arbeloa failed to convince the Real Madrid board after replacing Xabi Alonso in January.
The Spaniard managed 15 wins, two draws and eight defeats during his spell in charge. Because of that, Perez started searching for a new manager before the season even ended.
Several top names appeared on Real Madrid’s shortlist. Jurgen Klopp, Julian Nagelsmann, Didier Deschamps, Mauricio Pochettino, and Massimiliano Allegri were all linked with the role.
However, according to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid have now reached a verbal agreement with Jose Mourinho to return to the club next season.
Mourinho managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013 during his first spell at the Bernabeu.
The Portuguese coach won LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de España before leaving the club.
Reports also claim Mourinho became Perez’s first-choice candidate during the search process. He was reportedly the only manager who held formal talks with Real Madrid.
The 63-year-old will now leave Benfica despite remaining unbeaten in the Portuguese league since taking charge in September.
Still, Perez now hopes Mourinho can restore stability and success after a disastrous campaign in Madrid.
🚨 BREAKING: José Mourinho back to Real Madrid, HERE WE GO! 💣🤍
All terms have been verbally agreed between José Mourinho and Real Madrid, waiting to sign all documents.
Plan for initial two year deal, JM to travel to Madrid after Real-Bilbao game.
The Special One is back. pic.twitter.com/K267WgiqjC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 18, 2026
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