Mourinho in “advanced talks” for explosive return to coaching despite Amorim being linked with same job – Fabrizio Romano

Jose Mourinho is close to making an immediate return to management after the Portuguese coach was sacked by Fenerbahce last month, Fabrizio Romano reports.

A Return to Portugal

The Italian transfer guru reveals Mourinho, 62, is in “advanced talks” with Benfica to replace Bruno Lage, who was dismissed last night.

BREAKING: Benfica are in advanced talks with José Mourinho after Bruno Lage got sacked overnight!

Understand Mourinho has opened doors to Benfica move as he wants to return to coaching immediately.

The agreement could be sealed soon. pic.twitter.com/RL8eZmn5BY

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 17, 2025

Tweet: “BREAKING: Benfica are in advanced talks with José Mourinho after Bruno Lage got sacked overnight! Understand Mourinho has opened doors to Benfica move as he wants to return to coaching immediately. The agreement could be sealed soon.”

The Lions fell to a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Azerbaijan side Qarabag FK in the Champions League despite having led the game 2-0 after 16 minutes.

It proved the straw which broke the camel’s back for Lage with Benfica president Rui Costa announcing at 1:20am last night the 49-year-old manager had been sacked.

Almost immediately, reports in Portugal began circulating of a sensational return for Mourinho to his homeland, suggesting this was an option in the works before the defeat at the Estadio da Luiz.

Mourinho’s ascension in European football took place with Porto – Benfica’s bitter rival – where the ‘Special One’ was born after winning the Champions League, Europa League, the Taca de Portugal and two Primeira League titles across two historic seasons.

Less well known, however, is the fact that Mourinho’s managerial career actually began with Benfica, where he was the head coach in 2000. But he only lasted 10 games in charge after – to the surprise of no one – a “dispute with the club president,” the BBC reports.

Romano contends the former Manchester United manager has “opened” the door to a complete circle on his coaching career and an “agreement could be reached soon.”

An Unlikely Switch for Amorim is Ruled Out

In an unlikely twist, Mourinho’s return to Benfica would rule out any possibility of the current head coach at Old Trafford making the switch to the Estadio da Luz after Ruben Amorim was linked with the position.

The leading candidate to become Benfica’s new president, João Noronha Lopes, is running with Nuno Gomes – Amorim’s long-term best friend – as his vice-president.

The pair were believed to be intent on appointing the Red Devils’ coach as Benfica’s new manager if they take over in Lisbon, even travelling to Manchester to watch the derby at the Etihad on the weekend.

But Lopes was quick to stress Amorim “has a contract with Manchester United” and he was happy to work with the current Benfica manager.

Costa’s decision to sack Laga and move to replace him with a legendary figure within Portuguese football in Mourinho is a clear demonstration of intent, however, and ends any vague hopes of convincing Amorim to return to Lisbon.

Featured image Ahmad Mora via Getty Images

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