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José Mourinho is on the verge of a sensational return to the Real Madrid bench after years away from the Spanish capital.
The Portuguese strategist has become the chosen one to lead a new era at the Santiago Bernabéu, as Los Blancos have paid Mourinho’s termination clause at Benfica to facilitate his sensational return 13 years after his departure.
Real Madrid have officially cleared the way for Mourinho to return to the club after paying his release clause at Benfica.
Sky Sport Italia reports that the Spanish giants triggered the €3 million fee needed to terminate his contract with the Lisbon side on Monday, May 18.
The measure represents a decisive step in Florentino Pérez’s plan to bring ‘Especial’ back to Madrid.
Mourinho is now legally free to formalize his deal with the club where he spent three high-profile seasons between 2010 and 2013, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.
Two-year deal on the table
Negotiations between the club and Mourinho’s representative, Jorge Mendes, have progressed rapidly in recent days.
While the manager had recently suggested there was a high probability of staying in Portugal, the opportunity to lead a rebuilding project at the Bernabeu proved impossible to turn down.
Mourinho has reportedly agreed verbally on a two-year deal to take over following the conclusion of the current campaign.
The coach recently commented on the situation: “I still don’t know anything about Real Madrid, but none of us are naive and there are conversations between Jorge [Mendes]the president and management of the club.
“I will speak personally with Real Madrid next week and then I will make my decision. Until now there have only been conversations between Real Madrid and Jorge Mendes, not with me.”
Pérez sets announcement date
Perez is keen to move quickly after a trophyless season in which Madrid finished second behind arch-rivals Barcelona.
Reports suggest that the club has already lined up an internal schedule to introduce Mourinho as the new head coach once the domestic season officially concludes.
The plan is to announce the return of the Portuguese tactician next Sunday or Monday.
It coincides with the end of the League, with Real Madrid’s last match against Athletic Club this Saturday.
Pérez believes that Mourinho’s character is essential to managing a dressing room that requires discipline and a winning mentality.
Impact of the upcoming elections
The appointment comes at a politically delicate time for the club, as Pérez recently called for new presidential elections.
Candidates have until May 23 to enter the race, and while Perez is expected to be re-elected, he has reportedly considered the possibility of a leadership change.
Sources indicate that a specific clause could be included in Mourinho’s contract to protect the club and any potential new president, although Perez remains the driving force behind the deal.
Mourinho is expected to succeed Alvaro Arbeloa and is already identifying areas for improvement, specifically focusing on team fitness and rotation policies to combat a recent plague of injuries.
FIFA World Cup 2026: How to watch
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 matches of the tournament will be broadcast live on FOX (70) and FS1 (34) and each match will be streamed live and on-demand on both FOX One and the FOX Sports app. A record 40 matches, more than a third of the tournament, will be broadcast in prime time on FOX (21) and FS1 (19).
The June 11 opening match between Mexico and South Africa (3 p.m. ET) will be streamed for free on Tubi, as will the United States’ opening match against Paraguay on June 12 (9 p.m. ET).
