“Mourinho may return to Real Madrid after Arbeloa’s departure.”

José Mourinho on the radar of Real Madrid? The shocking truth about a possible return to the Bernabéu

The name of José Mourinho, one of the most iconic figures in world football, is once again emerging as a potential candidate to take over the management of Real Madrid next season. At 63 years old, the Portuguese coach, currently in charge of SL Benfica, sees his glorious past at the Santiago Bernabéu being invoked as an argument for an unexpected return, which promises to shake up the behind-the-scenes of Spanish football.

Between 2010 and 2013, Mourinho left deep marks on Real Madrid, winning titles and imposing his combative style. Now, with Álvaro Arbeloa set to leave at the end of the season, the scenario seems to open doors for a turnaround, with the “Special One” being pointed out as a possible replacement.

However, the reality is quite different from what the rumors suggest. Sources close to the Merengue club, cited by Mundo Deportivo, assure that there has been no official contact with Mourinho to date. Last December, when Xabi Alonso was dismissed, the Portuguese himself denied any possibility of taking over the management of Real Madrid at that time. Today, although he does not close any doors, he maintains his focus on Benfica, where he has a contract until 2027.

What is clear is Mourinho’s willingness to listen to proposals, especially if they come directly from Florentino Pérez, with whom he maintains a cordial and mutually respectful relationship. Real Madrid continues to hold a special place in the coach’s heart, and he would not dismiss a formal invitation to return to the club that marked his career.

However, within the leadership structure of Real Madrid, the expectation for a return of Mourinho is practically nonexistent. Some officials even dismiss that possibility, at least in the immediate term, although the situation may evolve as the season progresses.

Meanwhile, the Spanish club is not standing still and is already being linked to other high-profile names for the managerial position. Mauricio Pochettino, Didier Deschamps, and Lionel Scaloni are emerging as the main candidates to replace Arbeloa, opening up a range of options that promises to be the subject of intense debate in the coming months.

The truth is that Real Madrid is at a decisive crossroads, and the future of the Merengue club could surprise even the most attentive observers. Mourinho is in the spotlight, but not all the cards have been revealed yet. The battle for control of the Bernabéu is far from over. Stay tuned!

This article first appeared on Apito Final.