Real Madrid election could shape Benfica as José Mourinho’s return hinges on Florentino Pérez vote | OneFootball

Real Madrid hold their presidential election on Sunday, a vote that could directly shape Benfica's immediate future.

According to Glorioso 1904, Florentino Pérez and Enrique Riquelme are contesting the presidency, with the ballot drawing close attention in Portugal.

Central to the stakes is José Mourinho's position. If Pérez is re-elected, the Portuguese coach would leave Benfica to return to the Santiago Bernabéu, where he managed from 2010 to 2013. Pérez has publicly said the 63-year-old is his choice to lead the first team next season.

Benfica said it had been informed of Pérez's campaign intention to move for Mourinho. In a filing to the CMVM, the club said that the coach's release clause would be activated if the current Real Madrid president wins the election.

While Benfica await the result in Madrid, a succession plan is in place. Marco Silva is aligned to take over the first team.

The 48-year-old has ended a five-year stint at Fulham and accepted Benfica's proposal to return to Portuguese football. The agreement is for a two-year contract with an option of one more, leaving Silva close to becoming the club's next head coach.

Source: Glorioso 1904