Just in: Real Madrid pay Jose Mourinho’s €3 million Benfica release clause | OneFootball

Jose Mourinho is getting closer and closer to returning to Real Madrid. An agreement over a two-year contract is already understood to have been reached between the two parties.

Now, according to Sky Sport Italia, Los Blancos have paid the €3 million release clause that allows Mourinho to terminate his contract with Benfica and sign a new agreement.

Mourinho comeback imminent

On Monday, May 18, Real Madrid are believed to have paid Benfica the €3 million release clause that tied the Portuguese coach to the Lisbon side.

Return imminent. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

This was a decisive step that now leaves the ‘Special One’ free to sign with the Spanish capital giants and begin his second spell on the Santiago Bernabeu bench.

This would mark Mourinho’s return to the Real Madrid bench 13 years after his departure.

The Portuguese tactician enjoyed a three-year spell at the club between 2010 and 2013, during which he won one La Liga, one Copa del Rey, and one Spanish Super Cup.

Real Madrid need Mourinho

Given the current situation of the team and the fractured state of the locker room, Real Madrid were in search of a manager who commanded respect and authority while having the experience of handling the big names in the squad.

Florentino Perez the driving force behind Mourinho return. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

As such, Mourinho became Real Madrid president Florentino Perez’s top choice to replace Alvaro Arbeloa on the bench at the end of the season.

Contacts took place between Perez and superagent Jorge Mendes, where it became clear that the former Chelsea head coach was intent on moving back to the Bernabeu.

Contract terms were soon agreed, and now his release clause has been paid by Real Madrid, bringing his return closer. An announcement could take place soon, based on the presidential elections.