Top News

Jose Mourinho has reportedly agreed to make a comeback at Real Madrid on a three-year deal, but the move has been complicated by an unexpected financial twist. The Portuguese manager, famously known as 'the Special One', is set for a dramatic second spell at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, the timing of the arrangement has caused his release clause to more than double in value.

Presidential elections stall official confirmation

The experienced Portuguese coach is widely tipped to take charge of Real Madrid next season, yet the process has been temporarily delayed due to internal administrative issues.

According to RTP, the main reason behind the hold-up is the political climate at the Bernabeu, where club president Florentino Perez is facing his first contested presidential election in twenty years.

Though a verbal agreement for a three-year contract is said to be in place, Perez has shifted his focus toward his election campaign against challenger Enrique Riquelme. This internal tussle has delayed the formal signing of documents, leaving Mourinho technically under contract with Benfica until the voting concludes.

Benfica benefit as release clause deadline passes

The delay has proven costly for the Spanish club. A specific window that allowed Real Madrid to activate Mourinho’s €7 million release clause officially closed on Tuesday, May 26. As a result, any club now interested in signing him must pay a significantly higher amount to release him from Benfica.

With that clause now expired, Mourinho’s release fee has increased to €15 million. This situation gives Benfica president Rui Costa a much stronger position in negotiations, enabling the Portuguese club to insist on full payment or push Real Madrid into complex discussions to reach a middle ground.

Mourinho determined to complete unfinished business

Despite the political and financial hurdles, Mourinho remains focused and eager to return to Madrid. During his previous tenure from 2010 to 2013, he led Real Madrid to a record-breaking La Liga triumph with 100 points but fell short of delivering the club’s long-awaited tenth European crown, the Decima.

Now, 13 years later, Mourinho sees this as a chance to finish the job he started. His new contract reportedly includes performance-based clauses that secure an extended stay if he succeeds in reclaiming the league title within his first two seasons.

Benfica turn to Marco Silva as possible successor

The uncertainty surrounding Mourinho’s departure has disrupted Benfica’s summer planning, particularly after their failure to secure automatic entry into the Europa League group stage. Rui Costa faces growing pressure from fans to resolve the managerial situation swiftly to allow the team to begin pre-season preparations.

Reports suggest that Benfica have already been rebuffed by Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim and are now pursuing Fulham manager Marco Silva. The Lisbon club are making efforts to convince Silva to leave the Premier League and return to Portugal to take charge once Mourinho’s departure is finalised and the €15 million clause is settled.