Benfica have confirmed that negotiations are under way to see Jose Mourinho join as their new head coach.
Bruno Lage was sacked by Benfica following their shock 3-2 defeat to Qarabag in the Champions League on Tuesday, which marked the Azerbaijani side's first-ever win in the competition.
Mourinho swiftly emerged as the frontrunner for the job, and reports on Thursday suggest he has signed a two-year contract with the Primeira Liga side.
In a statement released on their website, Benfica said: "Negotiations are underway to sign coach Jose Mourinho, which are expected to be concluded soon."
E Pluribus Unum. pic.twitter.com/EyOM6go7Ol
— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) September 16, 2025
The 62-year-old began his managerial career at Benfica, taking charge of just nine matches before he left in December 2000 after a dispute with the club president.
Mourinho has not coached in Portugal since leaving Porto in 2004, winning six trophies during his two-year spell there, including the 2003-04 Champions League.
He was sacked by Fenerbahce at the end of last month following their failure to qualify for the Champions League proper, losing their play-off 1-0 on aggregate to, coincidentally, Benfica.
Mourinho had also been linked with the Rangers job, with Russell Martin under pressure.
Should the deal for Mourinho be finalised, he would face his former club, Chelsea, at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League on September 30, while Benfica will also face another of his old sides, Real Madrid, in January.