Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid would incur a cost of €15 million, as confirmed by Benfica

Benfica has stated that Real Madrid will need to pay €15 million to secure the appointment of José Mourinho, should Florentino Pérez emerge victorious in Sunday’s election.

Real Madrid is required to pay Benfica €15 million to secure José Mourinho as head coach, contingent upon Florentino Pérez winning the club’s presidential election, as confirmed by the Portuguese side on Thursday.

Benfica disclosed in a statement to Portugal’s financial regulator that it had been officially notified of Pérez’s desire to reappoint Mourinho at the Santiago Bernabéu for a second term in charge. The club stated that any transfer would necessitate Madrid activating the €15 million release clause in the coach’s contract.

Mourinho, 63, holds a contract with Benfica that extends until June 2027. The previous manager of Real Madrid has become Pérez’s favored choice to guide the team after two successive seasons without securing a major trophy.

Pérez is up against businessman Enrique Riquelme in the election on Sunday, representing the first contested presidential vote for Real Madrid since 2006.

Although Pérez has openly supported Mourinho, Riquelme has refrained from naming a coaching candidate. He has detailed plans to appoint club legend Raúl González as director of football and Fernando Hierro as academy director, while also committing to pursue signings such as Erling Haaland and Rodri from Manchester City.