Real Madrid will have to pay Benfica €15 million to appoint José Mourinho as head coach if Florentino Pérez wins the club’s presidential election, the Portuguese side confirmed on Thursday.
Benfica revealed in a statement to Portugal’s financial regulator that it had been formally informed of Pérez’s intention to bring Mourinho back to the Santiago Bernabéu for a second spell in charge. The club said any move would require Madrid to activate the €15 million release clause in the coach’s contract.
Mourinho, 63, is under contract with Benfica until June 2027. The former Real Madrid manager has emerged as Pérez’s preferred candidate to lead the team following two consecutive seasons without a major trophy.
Pérez is facing businessman Enrique Riquelme in Sunday’s election, marking the first contested Real Madrid presidential vote since 2006.
While Pérez has publicly backed Mourinho, Riquelme has not named a coaching candidate. However, he has outlined plans to appoint club legend Raúl González as director of football and Fernando Hierro as academy director, while also promising to pursue signings including Erling Haaland and Rodri from Manchester City.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
