Jose Mourinho Officially Returns to Real Madrid, Here's Everything the Special One Will Do

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Veteran football manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to return to Real Madrid in the summer of 2026.

This appointment marks "The Special One's" second stint at the Santiago Bernabeu, following weeks of speculation.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has reportedly identified Jose Mourinho as the leading candidate to replace Alvaro Arbeloa, who previously served as interim manager.

Jose Mourinho's return is expected to bring fresh air to Los Blancos, who are experiencing a difficult period, especially after failing to win a major trophy since the 2024 Champions League.

The club believes the 63-year-old's arrival is the ideal solution to restore the team's glory and stability.

An official announcement regarding this appointment is expected to be made after Real Madrid's final La Liga match of the season, with an initial two-year contract.

🚨 BREAKING: José Mourinho back to Real Madrid, HERE WE GO! 💣🤍All terms have been verbally agreed between José Mourinho and Real Madrid, waiting to sign all documents.Plan for initial two year deal, JM to travel to Madrid after Real-Bilbao game.The Special One is back. pic.twitter.com/K267WgiqjC

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 18, 2026

Real Madrid's decision to bring back Jose Mourinho is inextricably linked to the club's less-than-conducive internal situation.

Since the start of the 2024-2025 season, the team's performance has declined, culminating in a failure to win a major trophy.

This situation has been exacerbated by tensions between players, including an incident between Aurelien Tchouameni and Fede Valverde.

Florentino Perez has publicly expressed his confidence that Jose Mourinho is the right person to address these issues.

A verbal agreement has been reached, and the signing of a two-year contract is expected to be formalized soon.

Jose Mourinho previously led Real Madrid for three seasons, from 2010 to 2013.

During that time, he led the club to a La Liga title in the 2011-2012 season with a record 100 points, an impressive achievement.

He also won the Copa del Rey in 2011 and the Supercopa de España in 2012.

Despite winning several trophies, Jose Mourinho's tenure was also marked by a fierce rivalry with Pep Guardiola's Barcelona.

He is expected to repeat, and even surpass, his previous successes by bringing stability and a winning mentality back to Real Madrid.

Jose Mourinho is reportedly actively involved in squad planning for next season and has identified several transfer targets.

One of the big names on his list of priorities is Manchester City midfielder Rodri. Mourinho wants Rodri as his first signing to strengthen Real Madrid's midfield.

Rodri, now 29, is reportedly available for around €30 million.

Despite missing most of last season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury and continuing to struggle with injury problems, Jose Mourinho sees great potential in him.

Rodri himself has expressed a desire to return to Spain, and Pep Guardiola is said to be open to a move to Madrid.

Besides Rodri, Jose Mourinho is also reportedly interested in bringing in his former Manchester United protégé, Marcus Rashford.

Rashford is currently on loan at Barcelona, ​​but the Catalan club's financial woes have opened up an opportunity for Real Madrid.

Jose Mourinho has conveyed to President Florentino Perez the urgent need to strengthen the defense.

Real Madrid's current backline is considered aging, with Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba likely to leave the club in the summer transfer window.

Eder Militao's long-term injury is also a serious concern.

Furthermore, Dean Huijsen's performance, which hasn't lived up to his high price tag, adds to Jose Mourinho's to-do list.

In discussions with Florentino Perez, Jose Mourinho also discussed three key Real Madrid players: Aurelien Tchouameni, Fede Valverde, and Kylian Mbappé.

Several first-team players, such as Dani Carvajal, are also out of contract this summer, and Ferland Mendy's serious knee injury could rule him out for the entire next season, adding to the complexity of Jose Mourinho's overhaul.