Real Madrid set timeline for Jose Mourinho’s return | OneFootball

Real Madrid are closing in on the return of Jose Mourinho, with a fresh update suggesting that the Portuguese coach is expected to be officially appointed once the La Liga season comes to an end.

According to The Telegraph, Mourinho is now on the verge of making a sensational return to the Santiago Bernabeu, with the final details surrounding his appointment expected to be resolved after Real Madrid’s final league fixture on May 23.

It must be remembered that Mourinho still has one remaining match to oversee as manager of Benfica before attention shifts towards his future.

As previously reported, Real Madrid have until May 26 to activate the exit clause in Mourinho’s contract that would allow him to leave Benfica for a fixed fee of €3 million.

That clause remains valid because Benfica’s final match of the season is scheduled for May 16 against Estoril Praia.

Under the terms of the agreement, Mourinho can leave the Portuguese club during the 10-day period following that fixture if the release fee is paid.

Direct negotiations with Perez

Real Madrid are close to appointing Jose Mourinho. (Photo by YAGIZ GURTUG/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)

The report further claims that Mourinho is likely to deal directly with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez regarding the final terms of his appointment.

The relationship between Mourinho and Perez has remained strong despite the controversial nature of the coach’s previous spell at the club, and Real Madrid believe he is the right figure to lead the next phase of the project.

At 63 years old, Mourinho would return to Madrid with significantly more experience following managerial spells across multiple European clubs since his departure from the Bernabeu.

Lastly, although Mourinho remains under contract with Benfica until 2027, the report suggests that no major complications are expected between the clubs.

An agreement will still need to be formally reached, but the expectation is that Benfica will not stand in the way if Real Madrid decide to activate the release clause in the coming days.