Jose Mourinho Set to Reunite with Former Real Madrid Favourite as Coaching Plans Take Shape

Jose Mourinho is reportedly preparing to bring a familiar face into his coaching setup as he closes in on a return to Real Madrid for a second spell in charge at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Speculation surrounding Mourinho’s return intensified following Florentino Pérez’s re-election as Real Madrid president.

Pérez, who secured a new term after defeating challenger Enrique Riquelme in the club’s first contested presidential election in two decades, reportedly won 65 per cent of the vote.

Following the result, the 79-year-old reaffirmed his commitment to the club and welcomed the prospect of Mourinho’s return.

“I am here to defend Real Madrid,” Pérez said after the election victory, adding that he was “proud to welcome back one of the best coaches in the world, a Madridista like Jose Mourinho”.

According to reports, Mourinho is expected to sign a three-year contract and remain in charge until 2030 as part of Pérez’s new presidential cycle.

Pepe Linked with Surprise Coaching Role

While Mourinho is expected to arrive alongside several trusted members of his existing backroom team, reports suggest a notable former Real Madrid player could also join the project.

According to journalist Ramón Álvarez, former Portugal and Real Madrid defender Pepe is well positioned to become part of Mourinho’s technical staff.

Pepe enjoyed a highly successful playing career at Real Madrid, making 334 appearances and helping the club secure three La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League trophies.

The former defender also spent three seasons working under Mourinho during his first period at the club.

Having retired from professional football in 2024, a move into coaching alongside Mourinho would mark the latest chapter in a long-standing professional relationship.

Mourinho Reportedly Begins Squad Reshaping

Reports also suggest Mourinho has already begun shaping plans for the squad ahead of the new season.

Defensive reinforcements are reportedly expected, with Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries both linked with imminent arrivals after receiving Mourinho’s approval.

At the same time, several players are said to face uncertain futures.

According to Álvarez, Mourinho has identified six players who could be made available for transfer.

Eduardo Camavinga, Rodrygo Goes and Franco Mastantuono are among those reportedly not viewed as central to the new project.

Fran García, Raúl Asencio and Dani Ceballos have also been linked with possible departures.

Tchouaméni Viewed as Part of Long-Term Plans

Despite reports of a wider squad rebuild, French midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni is understood to remain highly valued.

Recent speculation had linked the midfielder with Manchester United, particularly following reports of tensions involving teammate Federico Valverde.

However, according to journalist Samuel Luckhurst, Mourinho considers Tchouaméni an important figure and intends to retain him as part of his plans.

With Mourinho’s expected return drawing closer, attention is now turning to how dramatically Real Madrid’s squad and coaching structure could change ahead of the new campaign.