Jose Mourinho has for the first time acknowledged that becoming the next Real Madrid manager is a possibility, ending weeks of deflection. After Benfica's 3-1 win sealed an unbeaten Portuguese league campaign, the 61-year-old told reporters his future would be decided this week, requiring time and space to choose. He confirmed there is external interest, though no formal offer sits before him.

A £2.6m release clause in his two-year Benfica contract, signed only eight months ago, allows a swift exit. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has not spoken to Mourinho directly but has engaged his agent, Jorge Mendes. While an improved contract to stay at Benfica and a long-standing offer to lead Portugal's national team exist, a return to Madrid appears by far the most probable outcome.

Mourinho and Perez share a close, 13-year bond, referring to each other as "FP" in private. Their near-reunion in 2021 failed when Mourinho committed to Roma, but no such obstacle exists now. With Perez set for re-election as Real Madrid president next weekend, few in Lisbon expect anything other than a second spell for the self-proclaimed 'Chosen One' at the Bernabeu, a move many see as crucial for a club facing internal strife.