Overview
- Florentino Pérez is leading the search after a second straight season without major trophies and, according to The Athletic, he favors Mourinho to replace interim Álvaro Arbeloa.
- Mourinho is under contract at Benfica through 2027, though reports describe a release clause that some place near €3 million within 10 days of the season’s final match and others at €6 million valid until late May.
- Sky Sports Germany reports Pérez has held direct talks with agent Jorge Mendes, while neither Real Madrid nor Mourinho has announced an agreement.
- Jürgen Klopp has played down interest, and Spanish analysis says his long-build approach would require structural changes to recruitment and training that Madrid rarely grants.
- Shortlist reporting also cites Lionel Scaloni, Didier Deschamps, Mauricio Pochettino, Massimiliano Allegri and Raúl, highlighting a choice between an authoritative short-term fix and a longer-term rebuild.