Jose Mourinho COMEBACK is close, Fabrizio Romano confirms

Robin Bairner

Updated: 17 Sept 2025 10:56 BST
4 min read

Jose Mourinho has been sacked by Fenerbahce — © IMAGO

Jose Mourinho is close to a return to football just days after being sacked by Fenerbahce, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed.

Mourinho, who is a managerial legend after stellar spells with Porto, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Tottenham, was sacked by the Super Lig club following Fenerbahce’s exit from the Champions League at the hands of Benfica.

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Mourinho is set for an express return to the managerial fold – ironically with the Benfica side that saw him sacked from Fenerbahce.

Bruno Lage was sacked by the Portuguese side overnight and Romano says that Mourinho is the outstanding candidate to fill the vacant post.

“Benfica are in advanced talks with Jose Mourinho after Bruno Lage got sacked overnight!” Romano tweeted.

“Understand Mourinho has opened doors to Benfica move as he wants to return to coaching immediately. The agreement could be sealed soon.”

Benfica’s presidential election will come later this year, and with Rui Costa standing for re-election, the appointment of a high-profile figure like Mourinho is expected to boost his chances of victory.

Why did Fenerbahce sack Mourinho?

Mourinho was not sacked by Fenerbahce because of the loss to Benfica, but because of his brand of negative football.

Ali Koc, sporting director of the Turkish side, explained to Record: “Attacking football wasn't present last season. We discussed these issues, and I thought we were in agreement.

“When this season started, the performance we saw in the first five official games mirrored last season's.

“Anyone could be eliminated by Benfica, but the way we played bothered me. That's why it was such a risky and difficult decision.”

FootballTransfers understands that Mourinho’s long-term ambition is still to coach the Portugal national team, with the job potentially becoming vacant after the 2026 World Cup in North America.

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