Florentino Pérez ‘has decided’ on José Mourinho amid Real Madrid links | OneFootball

According to The Athletic, Florentino Pérez has decided that José Mourinho is the leading candidate to replace Álvaro Arbeloa at Real Madrid amid fresh reports on Tuesday.

The outlet reports Madrid will dismiss the current coach at the end of the season and Mourinho is first in line to take over. If that scenario materialises, it would mark his second spell at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The British publication also states Pérez is handling the matter personally, without outside help. This contrasts with the appointment of Xabi Alonso, which was led by general director José Ángel Sánchez with Pérez’s approval.

The report adds Pérez aims to restore Madrid’s hegemony, with a firm head coach seen as pivotal. He considers Mourinho the ideal figure to revive a European project that faltered last season.

Separately, Fabrizio Romano has said the Benfica manager has expressed a desire to return to Madrid. Mourinho is under contract at Benfica until 2027 and has repeatedly said he wants to remain at Luz.

Source: Glorioso 1904