Jose Mourinho is set for a dramatic return to Real Madrid after reportedly signing a contract with the Spanish giants despite the club currently being in the middle of a presidential election process.

The Portuguese manager, who is presently in charge of Benfica, has long been linked with a move back to the Santiago Bernabéu, and recent reports suggest the agreement is now officially in place.

Mourinho still has one year remaining on his contract with Benfica. Earlier in the year, his release clause reportedly stood at €3 million, although that clause needed to be activated before May 25. Since that deadline passed, Real Madrid may now have to pay as much as €15 million to secure his release from the Lisbon club.

Despite Benfica offering him a new deal, Mourinho is believed to have prioritised a return to Madrid.

According to reports from The Athletic, Mourinho has signed a contract with Real Madrid that will run until 2029.

The situation is particularly unusual because Real Madrid do not currently have a confirmed president in office. Incumbent president Florentino Pérez is still contesting club elections against challenger Enrique Riquelme, with voting scheduled for June 7.

Pérez is widely expected to retain control of the club, although it remains unclear whether Mourinho’s agreement contains any clause that could void the deal if Riquelme were to pull off an upset victory.

Should Pérez officially win the election, Mourinho is expected to be unveiled as Real Madrid manager the following day.

Preparations for his arrival are already reportedly underway, including discussions surrounding his coaching staff.

Several members of Mourinho’s current Benfica team are expected to follow him to Spain. Assistants João Tralhão and Pedro Machado are likely to join the backroom setup, while fitness coach Antonio Dias and analyst Roberto Merella are also tipped to make the move.

Reports also indicate that Mourinho wants a former Real Madrid player as part of his staff. The idea would be to create a direct link between the dressing room and coaching team while also helping manage internal relationships within the squad.

Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey, and a Spanish Super Cup during his first spell at the club.

Now, more than a decade later, he appears ready for a second chapter in Madrid as the club prepares for another major rebuild both on and off the pitch.