Overview
- Fabrizio Romano said Monday that Mourinho and Real Madrid have a verbal agreement, with the coach set for a two-year contract pending signatures.
- Plans reported by multiple outlets say Mourinho will travel to Madrid after Saturday’s Real Madrid–Athletic Club match on May 23 to sign, with Álvaro Arbeloa expected to coach that game.
- Mourinho remains under contract at Benfica, and several reports say an exit payment in the €3–7 million range, often cited as €7 million, would clear his release.
- Spanish media note the club’s presidential election calendar could hold any announcement until the candidacy window closes around May 24, or longer if a challenger triggers a full vote.
- The move is framed as a response to a trophyless season and dressing-room strife, and it would mark Mourinho’s second spell after winning LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup from 2010 to 2013.