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Madrid President Targets Mourinho to Replace Arbeloa, Eyeing Signings

4/29/2026

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Summary

Mourinho Targets Madrid

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez prefers Portuguese manager José Mourinho to replace Alvaro Arbeloa.
Mourinho told clubs his top priority is to rejoin Real Madrid despite currently coaching unbeaten Benfica.
Madrid have linked Mourinho with signings of Rodri, Diogo Dalot, Nico Schlotterbeck and Zeki Celik and may also buy back La Fábrica graduate Ramón cheaply.
Agent Jorge Mendes is pushing Mourinho and has informed Newcastle United.

Summary

Mourinho Return

Mourinho could return to Real Madrid, a 13-year gap since his 2013 exit, the longest recent Bernabéu interval.
A €3 million break-clause in Mourinho’s Benfica contract can be activated within ten days of the season’s final match, providing a low-cost exit.
Former captain Iker Casillas posted three popcorn emojis on social media, hinting at unease.
French star Kylian Mbappé liked an Instagram post about the potential Mourinho comeback, signaling approval.

History

Historical Context

In May 2010 Real Madrid hired José Mourinho, appointing him sporting manager and coach after a season that saw the club finish second with a record 96 points. His success sparked a pattern of buying high-profile managers and star players, a strategy now echoed in 2024 as Mourinho returns to Benfica and Madrid pursues Iker Casillas with Mbappé’s endorsement.

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Mourinho Targets Madrid

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez prefers Portuguese manager José Mourinho to replace Alvaro Arbeloa.
Mourinho told clubs his top priority is to rejoin Real Madrid despite currently coaching unbeaten Benfica.
Madrid have linked Mourinho with signings of Rodri, Diogo Dalot, Nico Schlotterbeck and Zeki Celik and may also buy back La Fábrica graduate Ramón cheaply.
Agent Jorge Mendes is pushing Mourinho and has informed Newcastle United.

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