Real Madrid could be forced to pay as much as €15 million to appoint Jose Mourinho as their new head coach after a key release clause in his Benfica contract expired at the end of May.
The Portuguese manager is understood to be on the verge of a sensational return to the Santiago Bernabéu, having reportedly agreed a three-year contract to succeed Alvaro Arbeloa.
Mourinho’s agreement with Benfica included a release clause worth approximately €6 million, which remained active for 10 working days following the conclusion of the Portuguese club’s season. However, that clause expired on May 29, potentially increasing the compensation required to secure his services.
Despite reaching an agreement with Mourinho shortly after Benfica’s final match of the campaign on May 16, Madrid did not activate the clause before its deadline. The delay has largely been attributed to club president Florentino Perez’s decision to call presidential elections.
Perez, who has reportedly been the driving force behind Mourinho’s return, announced an unexpected election on May 12 despite his mandate running until 2029. The move came amid growing criticism and claims of a campaign to challenge his leadership.
The election will now take place on June 7, with businessman Enrique Riquelme standing against Perez in a vote involving approximately 100,000 club members.
While Perez continues to oversee club operations during the election period, including contract renewals and planning for the upcoming season, the political uncertainty delayed Madrid’s intended timeline for formally announcing Mourinho’s appointment.
The former Real Madrid manager, who previously led the club between 2010 and 2013, is now expected to return for a second spell in charge as Los Blancos prepare for a new era both on and off the pitch.
