Benfica make u-turn on Mourinho future with club after Real Madrid interest

As the 2025/26 season enters its final stretch, Benfica president Rui Costa is reportedly pushing to secure the long-term future of manager Jose Mourinho amid growing speculation linking the Special One with a sensational return to Real Madrid. Mourinho, who returned to the Estadio da Luz in September 2025, is currently contracted to Benfica until June 2027.

However, the deal includes a break clause that allows either party to terminate the agreement in the 10 days following the final match of this season. This effectively means Mourinho could depart the club for free or for a relatively low compensation fee according to some reports, if no new agreement is reached. According to recent reports, Mourinho has already submitted a detailed proposal for a contract extension, signalling his desire to remain at Benfica beyond the current terms and his desire to get the club to the Champions League.

Yet President Rui Costa has so far preferred to honour the existing deal, creating a subtle but noticeable tension behind the scenes. With Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said to view Mourinho as his preferred candidate to replace interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa, the pressure is mounting on Benfica’s board. Costa, who brought Mourinho back to the club, now faces a critical decision, does he offer the experienced tactician the security and improved terms he seeks, or risk losing one of the most charismatic figures in world football on a potentially a free exit this summer. 

For Benfica fans, the coming weeks will be decisive. Can Rui Costa convince Mourinho that his project at the Eagles is worth committing to long-term, or will the pull of another spell at the Santiago Bernabeu prove too strong to resist. The two sides are talking and a decision will come one way or another, we will just need to find out which direction the decision goes goes in the coming weeks. 

Benfica look towards Brazil and Gremio center back

Benfica are interested in Gremio center back Viery and are said to be the main European club in pursuit of the 21-year-old with a move potentially taking place this summer.

Viery has broken into Gremio's starting eleven this season and has impressed with his performances; the fact that he is a left-footed center back adds to his value. He is signed until 2029 and although the Brazilian club is open to selling, they have set a valuation on the player of €25 million for negotiations.

Benfica views the talent as a long-term investment to bolster their backline. However, Benfica does have competition, with Premier League sides Brighton and Newcastle also being linked to the player.

Benfica wants to secure the talented youngster before his valuation skyrockets. As the product of Gremio's youth system, Viery is the prototypical center back with composure on the ball, aerial strength and the versatility to play as a left back if needed. 

UEFA suspends Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni for 6 games

UEFA has announced the suspension of Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni for six matches following an incident against Real Madrid's Vinicious Junior in the first leg of their Champions League knockout play-off in February 2026. The 20-year-old Argentine was found guilty today of homophobic discriminatory conduct.

Vinicius had alleged he was subjected to racist abuse,  with teammate Kylian Mbappe claiming to have overheard the repeated insults. The match was halted briefly amid the claims. Prestianni denied using racial slurs towards anyone and in his meeting with UEFA admitted the words used were homophobic rather than racist.

After completing their investigation UEFA handed Prestianni a six-match ban for homophobic conduct. Three of those matches are suspended subject to a two-year probationary period. Prestianni has already served one game, having missed the second leg against Real Madrid and will be subject to sit two more UEFA matches.