Jose Mourinho is set to fly from Lisbon to Madrid on Wednesday afternoon to finalise his return to Real Madrid, where he will sign a three-year contract as the club's new manager.

Mourinho will head directly to the training ground on arrival. Real Madrid are expected to release an official statement confirming the re-appointment later on Wednesday, with a press conference and formal welcome ceremony to follow in the coming days. He is due to bring five members of his coaching staff with him.

Arbeloa's exit clears the path

Real Madrid announced on Tuesday evening that Alvaro Arbeloa — who had taken charge of the first team in January after replacing Xabi Alonso — would be leaving the club. In a statement, the club expressed its gratitude to Arbeloa, describing him as a figure who had shown loyalty, commitment, and professionalism throughout his association with Real Madrid, from his time in the academy onwards.

"Real Madrid, which will always be his home, wishes Alvaro Arbeloa and his entire family the best of luck in this new chapter of their lives," the statement read.

Within hours of that announcement, Benfica confirmed that Mourinho would be departing the Portuguese club. They simultaneously announced a two-year deal with former Fulham manager Marco Silva, with an option to extend by a further year.

Perez's election win seals Mourinho's comeback

Mourinho's return to the Spanish capital had been on hold pending the outcome of Real Madrid's presidential election, which concluded on Sunday. Florentino Perez defeated rival candidate Enrique Riquelme and wasted no time in confirming the 63-year-old's appointment.

"We will continue working so that Real Madrid keeps winning titles, and we will fight until the end to achieve the 16th European Cup," Perez said. "We are proud to welcome back one of the best coaches in the world, a Madridista like Jose Mourinho."

Mourinho had originally been expected to begin work following Real Madrid's final LaLiga fixture of the season against Athletic Bilbao, but the presidential election delayed proceedings. With Perez back in charge and Arbeloa's exit formalised, the stage is now set for the self-styled 'Special One' to begin his second reign at the Santiago Bernabeu.