Xavi Hernández tempted by Benfica

The Catalan coach appears as one of the favorite options to replace Mourinho

Héctor Andreu | 20 May 2026 | 16.34
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Xavi linked with Benfica / Antena3.com
Xavi linked with Benfica / Antena3.com

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Xavi Hernández has emerged on the Benfica list for a bench that could be vacant if José Mourinho ends up returning to Real Madrid. Portugal is already talking about a summer with a domino effect. Da Luz moves discreetly, but Rui Costa does not want to be without a plan.

Xavi gains weight in the future of Benfica

The scenario arises from Mourinho's situation. The Portuguese coach has a contract, but his name is once again strongly linked to Chamartín. Real Madrid is looking for a strong move in the dugout, and José Mourinho emerges as an option of emotional and competitive impact.

Faced with this risk, Benfica has been exploring alternatives for weeks. Marco Silva is highly rated, although Fulham seeks to protect and complicate any exit. This is where Xavi Hernández comes in, free since his departure from Barcelona, with a playing style, prestige, and focus on youth that is appealing.

The Catalan coach would not need to negotiate with any club. This condition makes him a more accessible option than other names on the list.

José Mourinho could trigger a domino effect in Portugal

José Mourinho's potential departure would completely change the coaching market in Portugal. His return to Real Madrid would be a significant shake-up. Mourinho has acknowledged contacts through his circle, although there is still no signature. In Lisbon, however, nobody wants to wait too long.

Benfica knows that losing José Mourinho would require a quick decision. The upcoming season demands stability from the first day of preseason. Rui Costa handles different profiles, but Xavi Hernández represents a particularly attractive path. His style of play aligns with the attacking tradition of the Lisbon club.

Benfica has always valued coaches capable of commanding with the ball, nurturing young talent, and coping with the pressure to win almost every weekend. In that context, Xavi Hernández fits better than initially thought. His time at Barça resulted in a league title, a Super Cup, and several established young players.

Xavi could coach Benfica

Portugal also considers Motta, Iraola, and Marco Silva

The list does not end with the Catalan. In Portugal, they are also considering Thiago Motta and Andoni Iraola as candidates studied by the club's leadership. Motta remains relevant for his modern view of the game, although his last experience raised doubts. Iraola, on the other hand, is currently highly regarded.

The issue with Iraola is his market. Several European clubs are monitoring his progress, and extracting him from England does not seem like a simple or cheap operation. Marco Silva still remains the internal favorite for part of the board, but Fulham is reluctant to let him go. This resistance opens up space for other names.

Xavi's profile fits in Da Luz

Xavi Hernández would bring a recognizable approach: possession, pressure after losing the ball, and involvement of the midfielders. A script that may resonate at Da Luz. Furthermore, his experience in managing pressure at Barcelona gives him significant credibility. Benfica is not a minor club or a transitional destination.

The red squad needs a coach with personality, but also with the ability to develop players. This aspect plays in favor of the man from Terrassa. The operation will depend, in any case, on the outcome with Mourinho. If the Portuguese signs for Real Madrid, Benfica will accelerate immediately.

For now, Xavi Hernández appears as a real alternative, while Portugal awaits a decision that could shake up several European dugouts this summer.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Xavi Hernández tanteado por el Benfica