“Mourinho is Pérez’s favorite to replace Arbeloa at Real Madrid.”

José Mourinho is back on the radar of Real Madrid and could return to the Bernabéu as early as this summer, shaking up the European football market! According to exclusive information from David Ornstein and Mario Cortegana, renowned journalists from The Athletic, the president of Real Madrid, Florentino Pérez, sees the Portuguese coach as the favorite candidate to replace Álvaro Arbeloa at the helm of the first team.

Currently at the helm of Benfica, Mourinho has a release clause of 3 million euros, which facilitates his early exit from the Portuguese club and paves the way for a surprising return to the Spanish giant. This possibility arises at a critical moment for Real Madrid, which is facing a disastrous season, on the verge of ending without any trophies, and with increasing reports of instability and discontent in the dressing room.

Álvaro Arbeloa took over the first team in January, following the departure of Xabi Alonso, but his mission is far from successful. The club’s management has decided that changes are urgent, and Arbeloa is expected to leave the position at the end of the season. Florentino Pérez wants to take charge of the decision regarding the coach, unlike last summer when Alonso’s appointment was primarily influenced by CEO José Ángel Sánchez, with Pérez only giving the final approval.

Mourinho is no stranger to Real Madrid. The Portuguese managed the team for three years, from 2010 to 2013, winning one La Liga title, one Copa del Rey, and one Spanish Supercup. However, his time in Madrid was marked by controversies, intense rivalries with FC Barcelona, and internal conflicts, particularly with then-captain Iker Casillas.

With Florentino Pérez determined to avoid mistakes and ensure a coach who commands respect, discipline, and results, Mourinho’s return could represent the revolution that Real Madrid desperately needs. The news has been released and promises to shake the foundations of Spanish football this summer. The future of the Bernabéu may soon be rewritten by the “Special One.”

This article first appeared on Apito Final.