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Jose Mourinho: Real Madrid agree deal for ex-Man Utd boss to return as head coach on two-year deal

Real Madrid have elected to bring Jose Mourinho back to the Santiago Bernabeu 13 years after his first spell in the Spanish capital; Mourinho has spent the season in charge of Benfica, who finished third in the Portuguese league after an unbeaten campaign

Gary Cotterill

Monday 18 May 2026 11:28, UK

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Sky Sports News' Kaveh Solhekol explains why Jose Mourinho has been tempted back to Real Madrid and the issues he faces when he gets there!

Jose Mourinho has agreed to return to Real Madrid as head coach on a two-year deal.

Real Madrid have elected to bring Mourinho back 13 years after his first spell to bring order to a dressing room that has become embroiled in off-field controversy following a disappointing end to a trophyless season.

An announcement is expected after Real Madrid's final game of the season against Athletic Club on Sunday. Mourinho, whose contract includes the option for a further year, is then set to be unveiled in Madrid next week.

Alvaro Arbeloa has been in temporary charge of Real Madrid since Xabi Alonso was sacked in January, seven months into the job. Mourinho will hope he can fare better than his two former players.

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Mourinho finished the season with Benfica on Saturday, beating Estoril 3-1 to finish third in Liga Portugal in an unbeaten league campaign.

Sky Sports News understands Mourinho will take four coaches with him from Benfica to the Bernabeu.

A clause in Mourinho's two-year Benfica contract, signed just eight months ago, allows him to walk away for £2.6m.

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Mourinho has a close relationship with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez from his first spell.

Jorge Mendes, Mourinho's agent, has negotiated the deal with Perez and Real Madrid for his client.

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