Mourinho close to Benfica: Open Negotiations For an Epic Return

Mourinho in Talks to Manage Benfica

The renowned Portuguese coach, José Mourinho, is in negotiations to take over as manager of Benfica, according to sources close to him. This possibility arises after the dismissal of Bruno Lage by the club, following a defeat in the Champions League against Qarabag. Mourinho, who was recently fired from Fenerbahce in August, would be open to the idea of managing Benfica, although no agreement has yet been reached. The Portuguese coach, with vast experience in European football, could return to Portugal more than two decades after leaving to manage Chelsea in 2004.

Mourinho has managed teams such as Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Inter Milan throughout his successful career. The 62-year-old coach already had a brief stint at Benfica, where he began his career as a coach in 2000, before leaving the club after only 10 matches. Benfica aims to appoint their new coach before the Primeira Liga match against AVS. In addition to Mourinho, there has also been speculation that Ruben Amorim, current coach of Manchester United, will join the club, where he played between 2008 and 2017.

• Mourinho was fired from Fenerbahce.
• Amorim’s arrival at Benfica is ruled out.
• Qarabag surprised Benfica in the Champions League.

“The profile of Benfica’s coach must be that of a winner,” declared Benfica president Rui Costa. “A coach who represents a club of this magnitude must have the ability to take this team to the levels we demand and give us the titles we desire.

Rui Costa, president of Benfica

The president added that no coach has yet been appointed for the position, but that preparations are being made so that the team will have a coach on the bench on Saturday.

Mourinho could face several of his former teams if his arrival at Benfica is confirmed. On September 30, they would face Chelsea in the Champions League, and on October 5, they would visit Porto in the local league. Also, it could be measured against Real Madrid on January 28, 2026 in the European competition. Benfica, who won their last league title in the 2022-23 season, will hold presidential elections on October 25.