Sources: Aston Villa keep tabs on Jose Mourinho situation after Unai Emery update
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Football Insider or go back to LFC Live.
(Credit: Imago) Sun 10 May 2026 10:00, UK Aston Villa are keeping an eye on Jose Mourinho’s potential return to Real Madrid amid concerns about Unai Emery, sources have told Football Insider.Mourinho has been linked with a sensational return to the Bernabeu this summer, with Florentino Perez keen on a reunion when Alvaro Arbeloa steps aside.A number of other options are still being considered for the role as Benfica are not keen to lose their manager, with Villa among those facing the same concerns.As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Villa hope Mourinho will return to Madrid and ease any speculation over Emery’s future.The Spaniard has been tipped as an ideal contender for Los Blancos given his fantastic work in England, but Aston Villa are reluctant to lose their manager any time soon. 👔 Aston Villa Manager News 👔 Get the inside track on the Villa Park dugout with real-time updates on shortlisted candidates and technical leadership strategy. VISIT THE MANAGER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Could Unai Emery leave Aston Villa this summer?Football Insider revealed on 8 May that Emery is a target for Real Madrid and could find it hard to turn down the opportunity to manage Los Blancos.A club the size of Real Madrid are thought to be the only ones realistically capable of luring the boss away from Villa, leading to concerns behind the scenes.2025-26 RecordUnai Emery (Aston Villa)Jose Mourinho (Benfica)Games5249Wins3028Draws711Losses1510Goals For8290Goals Against6142Unai Emery and Jose Mourinho’s records in the 2025-26 season.However, as Mourinho seemingly closes in on an unexpected return to Spain, Aston Villa are hopeful Emery will remain in the West Midlands this summer.Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “A club like Real Madrid, with their ambitions, I’m sure will be attractive to pretty much all top managers out there.“But as it stands right now, seems like Jose Mourinho is in the box seat for a return to Real Madrid from Benfica, which probably a lot of people didn’t expect.“He is now the leading contender to replace Arbeloa at the Bernabeu.“Unai Emery is happy at Aston Villa.
Obviously Aston Villa are very happy with him as well so they’ll be quite happy if Mourinho goes and takes charge at Real Madrid.“That would end any potential speculation around Emery, and they’re hopeful of keeping hold of him by qualifying for the Champions League this year.“They’ll be pretty confident they can keep hold of Emery and it does seem Emery is happy at Villa as well.”Who are the other contenders for Real Madrid?Mourinho and Emery are not the only targets on a long list of candidates for the Real Madrid job as we approach the end of the season in Spain.Arbeloa was chosen to replace Xabi Alonso on an interim basis, but amid what has become a hostile environment at the Bernabeu, he is set to move on.Credit: Getty ImagesJurgen Klopp had emerged as a dream candidate for Los Blancos as they weighed up making a move to tempt him back into club football.However, former Man United assistant manager Mick Brown told Football Insider that Klopp is unlikely to take the Madrid job as he is not eyeing a return to management.Real Madrid will be forced to consider alternatives as a result, with the likes of Mauricio Pochettino and Didier Deschamps also linked, but Mourinho is the favourite. 🦁 ASTON VILLA INSIDER UPDATE 🦁 Get the inside track on the Villa Park dugout, transfer strategy, player wages, and technical leadership at Bodymoor Heath. Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from Villa Park.