Jose Mourinho confirms Chelsea transfer wish ahead of Stamford Bridge reunion

Cameron Smith

• 30 Sep 2025 07:00 CDT
• 3 min read

News

Benfica boss Jose Mourinho has admitted that he would “love” to sign Chelsea winger Pedro Neto as he gears up to face his former club in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Mourinho, 62, was appointed as Bruno Lage’s replacement at Benfica in mid-September and he will lead his new side out at Stamford Bridge in his first European fixture at the helm.

Current ETV

Pedro Neto

M (RL)

Chelsea

Pedro Neto

M (RL)

Chelsea

€61.3M

ETV Range

€55.2M - €67.5M

View full profile

The Chelsea legend has already admitted that he views the west London stadium as “home” ahead of his return to the club, while he has revealed that he will “always be a Blue.”

During his pre-match press conference, which was held at Stamford Bridge, Mourinho also confirmed that he is jealous of the squad available to Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, with a particular focus on his compatriot Neto.

“Neto is one of the best wingers in the world,” Mourinho told reporters. “Enzo Maresca is privileged because he has three, four players of a similar profile. Of course, I would love to have Pedro Neto at Benfica, but he's playing in a different reality with a different finances.”

Pedro Neto heaps praise on Jose Mourinho

Neto was also quick to praise Mourinho when he faced the press ahead of Chelsea’s second Champions League fixture of the campaign.

“As a Portuguese [player] it will be a pride to play against Mourinho,” Neto admitted.

“What he represents to the club and what he represents to Portuguese people as well, the opportunity he gave to Portuguese people to go around the world and play in the best teams and manage the best clubs.

“We are really looking forward to playing against them and it is a really good opportunity to bounce back as well.”

Neto continued: “You cannot have a divided opinion on him [Mourinho]. What he did for Portugal, what he did for Portuguese people, what he has won. People in Portugal respect him a lot and know the value that he has. Benfica hired him for that reason. He is one of the biggest names in Portugal with [Cristiano] Ronaldo and [Luis] Figo.

“It would be a privilege to be managed by Jose Mourinho, who wouldn't want to be managed by him?”

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