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Benfica have officially acknowledged that Real Madrid have made a concrete approach to appoint Jose Mourinho as their next head coach. The Portuguese club stated that this development is closely linked to the upcoming presidential elections at the Santiago Bernabéu.

In an official filing with the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM), Benfica confirmed that they were contacted regarding Mourinho’s availability. The inquiry has reportedly come from the camp of Florentino Perez, who is currently contesting for re-election as Real Madrid’s president.

Known as the 'Special One', Mourinho remains under contract with Benfica but has become Perez’s top managerial target as he faces stiff competition from Enrique Riquelme for the top position at Real Madrid. The election, set for this Sunday, could pave the way for Mourinho’s sensational return to Madrid if Perez secures another term.

Benfica have made it clear that Mourinho will not be allowed to leave without adequate compensation. The club’s communication specified that any agreement for the Portuguese coach’s move back to La Liga would require the activation of a dedicated release clause built into his contract.

The clause is valued at €15 million, which corresponds exactly to the amount Mourinho would have earned in the final year of his contract at Estádio da Luz.

As the election battle intensifies, Mourinho has become Perez’s ace card to counter the bold pledges of his rival, Enrique Riquelme, who has promised to bring in Manchester City stars Erling Haaland and Rodri if he wins the presidency.

Perez’s decision to link his campaign with Mourinho’s possible return is seen as a major strategic move. By demonstrating a willingness to activate the hefty release clause and secure a verbal understanding with Mourinho, Perez has outlined a concrete and ambitious sporting project for Real Madrid’s members.

Controversy erupted on Wednesday evening when a video released by Perez’s campaign appeared to show Mourinho agreeing to return to Madrid. Mourinho later informed Benfica that the clip had been generated using artificial intelligence and that he had not recorded such a message. Despite the clarification, Perez’s campaign doubled down with another video on Thursday, shortly after Benfica’s announcement, focusing solely on Mourinho’s potential comeback.

Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, during which he ended Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona dominance by winning a memorable La Liga title with a record 100 points, along with the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de España. His return would mark a significant change in Real Madrid’s sporting direction, with Perez seeking a proven leader to re-establish control and guide the club into its next chapter.

For Perez, Mourinho’s trademark discipline and tactical rigour are seen as the remedy for the current instability at the Bernabéu. Real Madrid are emerging from a deeply disappointing, trophyless campaign that left supporters frustrated and critical of the team’s top players after internal rifts and dressing-room discord derailed their season.