Real Madrid inform Benfica they will activate Mourinho’s €15 million exit clause next week | OneFootball

Jose Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid appears to be entering its final stages, with fresh reports suggesting that the club is now preparing to formally complete the operation.

According to Portuguese outlet Record, Real Madrid have informed Benfica that they will activate Mourinho’s €15 million release clause next week, clearing the final hurdle before the Portuguese coach can officially begin his new chapter at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The move comes after weeks of speculation surrounding Mourinho’s future and represents the strongest indication yet that his appointment is now only a matter of time.

Ready to finalise Mourinho’s appointment

Mourinho has been heavily linked with the Real Madrid job for several weeks, and Florentino Perez’s presidential campaign has already presented the Portuguese manager as the man chosen to lead the club into a new era.

An agreement between Real Madrid and Mourinho has been in place for some time, but contractual obligations with Benfica meant the operation could not be completed immediately.

Florentino Perez has an agreement with Mourinho. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Notably, last week, Mourinho’s release clause stood at €7 million. However, delays caused by the ongoing presidential election process prevented Real Madrid from activating the clause before its expiry date. 

As a result, the amount required to release the coach from his Benfica contract has now increased to €15 million.

Despite the higher fee, Real Madrid have already notified Benfica of their intention to make the payment next week.

Everything is on track

Real Madrid’s presidential elections are scheduled to conclude this weekend, with the final outcome expected within days. 

Mourinho will be Real Madrid’s new manager. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images)

Once that process is complete, the club will have a clear path to formalising Mourinho’s appointment and beginning preparations for next season.

On that note, Mourinho’s return would mark the beginning of a new sporting cycle at the Bernabeu. 

The veteran manager remains one of football’s most recognisable figures and has previously enjoyed success in Madrid, including leading the club’s famous record-breaking league-winning side.

While the official announcement has not yet arrived, the latest developments suggest it may only be a matter of days before he is officially unveiled.