Benfica are in advanced talks with José Mourinho over a dramatic return to the club, 25 years after he last worked in Portugal, following the shock sacking of Bruno Lage overnight.
According to sources close to the negotiations, Mourinho has opened the door to a move back to Lisbon as he is eager to resume coaching immediately after leaving Fenerbahçe at the end of last season.
The discussions are understood to be progressing quickly, with both sides hopeful of reaching an agreement in the coming days.
Mourinho, 62, began his career as an interpreter and assistant in the Portuguese league before rising to global fame with Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma, and most recently Fenerbahçe. His return to Benfica where he briefly managed in 2000 would mark a full-circle moment in an illustrious career that has yielded more than 25 major trophies, including two UEFA Champions League titles.
Benfica moved swiftly after parting ways with Lage, who was dismissed following a disappointing start to the Primeira Liga season. Club president Rui Costa is said to view Mourinho as the perfect candidate to stabilise the team and bring silverware back to Estádio da Luz.
If the deal is finalised, Mourinho is expected to take charge ahead of Benfica’s upcoming league clash and begin preparing the squad for a crucial Champions League group-stage campaign.
Fans of the Portuguese giants have already begun to flood social media with excitement at the prospect of welcoming “The Special One” home, 25 years after his first steps into management.
