Tavolieri posted on X that the deal is done, writing: "José Mourinho is set to become the next manager of Real Madrid. The Portuguese coach has reached an agreement with the club's management. An official statement from José Mourinho is expected next week."
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano subsequently confirmed the advanced state of negotiations, stating that Mourinho wants the job and has already spoken with Real Madrid about his return.
David Ornstein of The Athletic had previously reported the same direction of travel, with Mourinho's agent Jorge Mendes conducting talks with the club's hierarchy on the manager's behalf throughout the past fortnight.
Mourinho himself has maintained publicly that he has held no direct contact with Real Madrid while Benfica's season continues. He is due to manage his final Primeira Liga match against Estoril on Friday May 16 before a 10-day window opens during which he may speak with whoever he chooses — and the €3million release clause in his Benfica contract can be triggered.
Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning the La Liga title with a record 100 points in 2011/12, the Copa del Rey in 2011 and the Supercopa de España in 2012. He left under acrimonious circumstances but has retained a close personal relationship with president Florentino Pérez.
He has set two non-negotiable conditions for a return — meaningful influence over the club's transfer strategy and full hierarchical authority over the first-team environment. Both are understood to have been accepted in principle.
Benfica are actively seeking a successor, with Fulham's Marco Silva reportedly their primary target should the Portuguese depart.