The recent decision by Turkish Super Lig team Fenerbahce to fire manager Jose Mourinho, who has had a managerial career that many people envy, put many clubs throughout Europe, including those in the Premier League, on high alert. And now the Portuguese strategist is in ‘advanced talks’ with Benfica, only weeks after being fired too soon.
As one of the greatest football managers in history, Mourinho has enjoyed great success throughout his tenure in the dugout, and with good cause. In his career, which has seen him win two Champions Leagues and three Premier League titles, he has coached teams like Real Madrid, Chelsea (twice!), Manchester United, and Inter Milan.
The 62-year-old’s experience and expertise make him the ideal manager for a team like Benfica, even though he has reached the end of a career that has seen him win over many fans both inside and outside of the football echo chamber. They will be hopeful that Mourinho’s arrival would put them in a position to win the league again, as they last did so in 2022–2023.
‘Advanced Talks’ between Benfica and Mourinho Following Bruno Lage’s Sacking
Additionally, Benfica has reportedly reached a preliminary deal to appoint the 62-year-old serial winner Mourinho as their new manager, according to CNN Portugal. According to the article, Bruno Lage’s primary replacement has been picked by Benfica boardroom bosses as the former Porto custodian. A consensus has been achieved by all parties, and the contract’s last elements are being finished.
Benfica, who are now sixth in Liga Portugal with three wins and one tie from their first four games, are reportedly interested in hiring him, according to reputable writer Fabrizio Romano, who posted on X (previously Twitter).
“BREAKING: Following Bruno Lage’s overnight dismissal, Benfica is in advance negotiations with Jose Mourinho. Since Mourinho wants to start coaching again right away, he has made it possible for Benfica to sign him. The deal might be finalised shortly.
Benfica fired Lage on Tuesday night, only hours after their shocking 3-2 loss to Qarabag at home in the 2025–26 Champions League league phase, as previously mentioned. This might pave the way for Mourinho to take over for the 49-year-old, who would welcome the opportunity to manage in his native country once more.
Early on Wednesday morning, Benfica President Rui Costa emphasised that a management change was essential to turning around the team’s Champions League campaign. “Today we came to an agreement with Bruno Lage to resign as Benfica’s coach,” the former Portugal international stated. Although I appreciate all that he has done for our club, we think a change is in order.
According to The Metro, Costa went on, “As for the next coach, we anticipate having the new one on the bench at Vila das Aves next Sunday.” As previously stated, Benfica’s next games are away games against a struggling AVS Futebol SAD and back-to-back weekends at home against Rio Ave and Gil Vicente.
This will not be Mourinho’s first appearance in the Estadio da Luz dugout if a deal between him and Benfica is finalised. He started his first managerial position at Benfica in September 2000, and he left the prestigious club later that year in December after just 10 games, during which he scored 1.80 points per game.
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