Real Madrid have taken the decisive step towards Jose Mourinho's return, confirming the departure of first-team coach Alvaro Arbeloa after a trophyless season — and Benfica have already agreed a deal for his replacement.
Mourinho, 63, is set to leave Benfica after just one season, with the Portuguese club announcing that Real Madrid will pay £13m (15m euros) in compensation. The move comes days after Florentino Perez won Real Madrid's presidential election by a landslide and immediately made good on his campaign promise.
“Real Madrid pay Benfica £13m for Mourinho, who replaces sacked Arbeloa; Marco Silva takes over at Benfica.”
"Proud to have the best players in the world, proud to welcome back one of the best coaches in the world, a Madridista like Jose Mourinho," Perez said. "And rest assured, with me as president, Real Madrid has been, is, and will always remain owned by its members."
Arbeloa's exit was confirmed by the club in a statement that thanked him for "loyalty, commitment and professionalism" but his five-month reign — he replaced Xabi Alonso in January — ended with Real finishing second in La Liga and failing to win the Copa del Rey or Champions League.
Benfica, meanwhile, have wasted no time in finding a successor. Marco Silva, 48, has agreed to become their new head coach, ending his five-year stint at Fulham where his contract expired a week ago. Benfica said they had "reached an agreement" with Silva, who will sign a contract until the end of the 2027-28 season, with an option to extend to 2028-29. Silva is returning to Portugal after managing Hull City, Watford, Everton and Fulham in England.
Mourinho took charge of Benfica last September and led them to third place in the Primeira Liga, going through the league campaign unbeaten. His previous spell at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013 brought La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup. Now he returns to the Bernabeu, tasked with restoring a fallen giant.