Benfica announced on Tuesday that <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/football/article/real-madrid-election-campaign-heats-up-perez-teases-mourinho-as-riquelme-targets-haaland-23633660" rel="nofollow">manager Jose Mourinho</a> has accepted an offer to return to Real Madrid, following the Spanish club's earlier confirmation that they had severed ties with head coach Alvaro Arbeloa.
Real Madrid President Florentino Perez had strongly pledged to secure Mourinho's return throughout his Presidency campaign, which successfully culminated in his re-election this past Sunday.
In an official briefing to its shareholders, Benfica disclosed that Real Madrid has formally committed to a 15 million-euro buyout package for Mourinho, with the Portuguese manager giving the green light to the transfer. Benfica thanked Mourinho for his contribution this past season.
Real Madrid has yet to issue a statement confirming the agreement. Mourinho, who prominently backed <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/football/article/florentino-perez-set-to-continue-as-real-madrid-president-after-rare-electoral-challenge-23634231" rel="nofollow">Perez's election bid</a> by appearing in his promotional media, is poised to begin his second managerial tenure in the Spanish capital, having previously guided the club between 2010 and 2013.
<h2>Real Madrid announces Arbeloa's departure</h2>
Arbeloa's exit came as little surprise, given that the manager had already hinted at his departure as the football season drew to a close.
Real Madrid said Tuesday it was "deeply grateful" to Arbeloa, "who throughout his career at the club, from the time he joined our academy, has always demonstrated loyalty, commitment, and professionalism."
<a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/football/article/we-showed-lot-of-mental-toughness-and-strength-arbeloa-23622273" rel="nofollow">Former Real Madrid player, Arbeloa</a> originally stepped into the dugout in January to take over from Xabi Alonso during a period of poor form for the team. However, he struggled to unite the squad, leaving Madrid to face a second consecutive year without capturing a major championship.
Last month, Arbeloa gave his blessing to former boss Mourinho's return to Madrid, saying he would "be happy to see him back home."
Arbeloa's final months in charge saw Real Madrid lose momentum, marred by reports of players clashing during training sessions. The team's campaign collapsed entirely after being knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich and falling short of catching Barcelona in the domestic title race.
Fulfilling another of Perez's high-profile campaign pledges to sign a 'Galactico', Real Madrid also confirmed on Tuesday that local rivals Atletico Madrid had formally knocked back a massive 150 million euro bid for Argentine attacker Julian Alvarez.

Benfica confirms a 15 million euro agreement with Real Madrid for the return of manager Jose Mourinho, following the departure of Alvaro Arbeloa

Benfica announces Jose Mourinho's move to Real Madrid

FIFA World Cup 2026: Here are top six teams perfectly placed to win global showpiece

Benfica confirms a 15 million euro agreement with Real Madrid for the return of manager Jose Mourinho, following the departure of Alvaro Arbeloa after a trophyless season.

Jose Mourinho set for Real Madrid reunion as Alvaro Arbeloa departs

Trending Stories

Latest Photos

Latest Videos

Latest Web Stories

Mid-Day Fast

Home / Sports / Football / Article / Jose Mourinho set for Real Madrid reunion as Alvaro Arbeloa departs