Reports from the Spanish capital indicate that Real Madrid is on the verge of appointing a new manager. Los Blancos have reportedly reached an agreement on terms with Jose Mourinho for his return to the club, 13 years after his initial departure from the Santiago Bernabéu.
Mourinho emerged as an unexpected candidate for the managerial position after it became clear that Arbeloa would not be offered the opportunity to continue in the role next season. Club President Florentino Pérez has apparently made the decisive choice that Mourinho is the right person to reverse the team’s fortunes.
According to reports from Diario AS, Mourinho and Real Madrid have finalized the contractual terms, with only the signatures remaining to make the appointment official. The former Chelsea manager is expected to sign a two-year deal at the Santiago Bernabéu, which includes an option for a third year. This third year will be automatically activated if Real Madrid secures a La Liga title within the first two years of his tenure.
Details regarding Mourinho’s specific working conditions remain unclear. However, the same outlet reports that Benfica assistants Joao Tralhao and Pedro Machado will be joining him at Real Madrid.
The initial plan was for Mourinho to be in place by the start of June. However, President Florentino Pérez’s decision to call for club elections might cause a delay in the official announcement. If no other candidate challenges Pérez, he will be re-elected President on Sunday, May 24th, with Mourinho’s appointment likely to be announced the following day. To avoid any complications or situations where another candidate might be bound to a deal they did not approve, Real Madrid will refrain from appointing Mourinho until the election process is concluded.
Recent speculation suggests that Enrique Riquelme may indeed challenge Pérez’s long-standing presidency. He has until Saturday to formally present his candidacy.
