“José Mourinho and Florentino Pérez in talks for a return to Real Madrid.”

The Santiago Bernabéu is buzzing with explosive rumors that promise to shake up European football: José Mourinho, the iconic “Special One,” may be on the verge of returning to the helm of Real Madrid. Sources close to the situation confirm a high-level meeting between the Portuguese manager and Florentino Pérez, the president of the club, which could seal a return that would put all of La Liga on high alert.

According to journalist Sergio Valentín for Esdiario, Mourinho and Pérez held a video call lasting about an hour, during which they discussed the conditions for the coach to return to the bench of Real Madrid. The conversation also included the discreet presence of Jorge Mendes, the manager’s long-time agent, who acted more as an observer than as the main negotiator. This direct dialogue comes at a time when the current team is experiencing a deep crisis, with disappointing sporting results and an internal environment filled with tension.

But attention: Mourinho is not joking around. The coach, who currently leads Benfica until 2027, has set a series of non-negotiable demands before considering accepting the Madrid challenge. And we’re not talking about salary increases or million-dollar bonuses. The Portuguese demands absolute control over all sporting decisions of the club, a complete restructuring of the medical department, and total disciplinary authority over the squad. In other words, Mourinho wants to eliminate the internal politics that, according to him, undermined his last term between 2010 and 2013, during which he won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España.

This radical stance is already dividing public opinion among Madrid supporters. For some, Mourinho is the coach who broke Barcelona’s dominance and instilled a fierce winning mentality during one of the most competitive periods in Spanish league history. His experience and tactical rigidity are seen as the perfect antidote to the inconsistency that plagues the current team. On the other hand, there are those who fear the return of a figure who left open wounds: a divided dressing room and public confrontations with club idols marked his last cycle, and many fans worry that the drama will return to the Bernabéu.

Florentino Pérez is now at a decisive crossroads. In addition to Mourinho, other names such as Unai Emery are also on the table for the coaching position. The president will have to assess whether he is willing to grant the Portuguese the total control he demands — something unprecedented in the club’s history. The official response is expected to be communicated next week, but the outcome promises to be one of the most dramatic and anticipated chapters in the history of Real Madrid.

If the agreement is finalized, it will mark the beginning of an epic second phase for Mourinho, who could rewrite his legacy in the Spanish capital, in a return filled with expectations, pressure, and, of course, controversy. The Bernabéu may be on the verge of experiencing a revolution that no fan wants to miss.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.