Morning brought news from Fabrizio Romano - Jose Mourinho has lined up a deal with Real Madrid to take over as boss. The move means the Portuguese tactician will put pen to paper on a two-season pact, circling back to the Bernabeu after years away. His footsteps echo through the corridors of the stadium once more.

Next up, Real Madrid face Athletic Club on Saturday night, then comes the big news about what happens next. A shift like this, it could shake up the whole summer transfer scene. Mourinho stepping in might just be the spark someone needs after things went sideways this season.

Jose Mourinho set to leave Benfica and return to Real Madrid

A surprise move could see Real Madrid push a button in Mourinho’s deal at Benfica, letting one party walk just after the Portuguese league wraps up. Ten days following the final whistle, a payout of nearly €3 million might unlock the door. The rule sits quietly in the contract, ready if needed.

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Later this week, club president Rui Costa plans to speak with members about the current scenario. Recently, Mourinho acknowledged he’d take time after the season ends to think through what comes next, even though Benfica already put forward a new contract deal.

One more step, then Mourinho leaves Benfica behind, again. He first led the team in eleven games back in 2000/01, a short stretch long before his recent return. That comeback began in September when he took over from Bruno Lage, stepping into the role midstream.

Mourinho led Benfica through 45 games, securing 27 victories along the way. Still, the campaign left fans wanting more; third place in the standings meant no Champions League berth. Knocked out by Real Madrid in the playoff round, their European hopes faded early. The domestic cup journey ended at the last eight in the Taça de Portugal. Then came another halt, this time in the Taca da Liga semis.

Back in Madrid, he steps into chaos. That season, the club settled for second place in La Liga instead of first. Trophies slip away one by one - first the Super Cup vanishes, then an early Copa exit follows. The Champions League ends in the quarters, another blow. Silence fills what was meant to be a celebration.

Midway through, whispers about locker room clashes started spreading more often. Not long after kickoff, Xabi Alonso took charge at Real Madrid, yet his time didn’t last past early setbacks. Instead, uncertainty lingered until Alvaro Arbeloa stepped into the gap, holding things together briefly. Only later did the club settle on Mourinho, seeing him as the steady hand they needed down the line.

Back near where his journey paused, Mourinho seems set to take on another high-pressure role in football. Years have passed since he walked away from Madrid, yet here he stands, close to returning to the edge of the game’s toughest challenges.

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