Benfica In Advanced Talks To Appoint José Mourinho After Bruno Lage’s Sacking

‎Jose Mourinho could be poised for a sensational return to his former club 25 years after his first departure, potentially facing Chelsea in as little as two weeks.

‎He is currently a free agent following his dismissal from Fenerbahce after the Turkish club failed to qualify for the Champions League.

‎Jose’s availability has sparked widespread speculation about his next move. According to A Bola, he is close to returning to Portugal, with a deal possibly finalized by Wednesday.

‎Benfica is said to be making significant progress in negotiations with the decorated coach.

‎Mourinho’s journey since Benfica days

‎Mourinho began his managerial career at the club in 2000, where he oversaw 11 games before moving to União de Leiria.

‎Mourinho went on to enjoy huge success at Porto before becoming an internationally recognised name during his stints at Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Inter.

‎And, should the deal go through, he will put himself on a collision course with his former club, Chelsea, who Benfica face in the Champions League in just two weeks.

‎Benfica parted ways with former Wolves manager, Bruno Lage following a pedestrian start to the season, with the club eager to have a new coach in place for this weekend’s game against Vila das Aves.

‎Club president Rui Costa said, “We have reached an agreement with Bruno Lage to step down as Benfica’s coach. I thank him for everything he’s done for our club, but we believe it’s time for a change.

‎”Regarding the next coach, we expect to have the new one on the bench at Vila das Aves next Saturday.

‎”We’ve had a tough week for all Benfica fans, after the match against Santa Clara and this match against Qarabag. We haven’t compromised anything, we haven’t dropped out of any competition, but I believe this is the time for a change.

‎”The Benfica coach must be a winner. He must be a coach who represents a club of this size and can bring this team to the required levels.

‎”We won’t talk about names. Benfica is currently without a coach. The only thing that happened after the game was the conversation with Bruno Lage. No coach has been hired today.”

‎For Benfica, the appeal of hiring one of Portugal’s most decorated coaches is clear. For Mourinho, it would be a full-circle moment a return to the club where his career first began.

‎All parties are expected to announce soon whether a contract agreement has been reached for him to take charge.