Overview
- David Ornstein reports José Mourinho will meet club president Florentino Pérez next week to finalise a deal, with other outlets saying the appointment is considered a matter of time, though Madrid has not announced it.
- Alvaro Arbeloa, speaking Saturday, endorsed Mourinho as “number one” and said he would be happy to see him “back home,” while playing down his public spat with Kylian Mbappé.
- Multiple reports say Mourinho has already spoken with senior players and asked for defensive reinforcements this summer, indicating he is shaping plans before any formal unveiling.
- Club leaders are moving to reassert control after recent flashpoints that included a reported training-ground fight and, following Thursday’s win over Real Oviedo, Mbappé’s critical comments, with AS reporting Pérez has summoned the forward for talks.
- Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, and reporting suggests he will leave Benfica at season’s end, with confirmation of his Bernabéu return expected later this month if club formalities align.