Real Madrid have appointed José Mourinho as their new manager, with the club paying Benfica a €15 million release clause to secure his services, according to reports in the Italian press. The Portuguese coach has signed a contract with the Spanish giants that will run until 2029.
This appointment marks Mourinho’s second spell in charge of Real Madrid, having previously managed the club from 2010 to 2013. During his first stint, he won a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey, and a Spanish Super Cup. He most recently managed AS Roma, leaving the club in January 2024.
The move comes after a period of uncertainty for Real Madrid following presidential elections, which initially delayed the confirmation of Mourinho’s return. A clause that would have allowed Real Madrid to secure Mourinho for approximately €8 million expired due to the delay, resulting in the increased fee paid to Benfica. Florentino Pérez, the Real Madrid president, had initially promised a significant player signing for a fee of €150 million, but instead opted for the substantial investment in Mourinho.
Mourinho has already begun working on assembling his squad, with reports suggesting that Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries are potential targets. However, the most prominent link is with Bernardo Silva, the recently departed Manchester City midfielder. Silva is currently a free agent and had been attracting interest from Atlético Madrid and Barcelona.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Mourinho has presented a proposal to Silva, potentially altering the player’s plans. Silva had initially intended to decide his future before the start of the World Cup, but the intervention of Real Madrid has extended the timeline. Mourinho reportedly views Silva as the ideal player to lead his midfield, citing his experience, leadership, technical ability, and versatility. This could prove a significant coup for Real Madrid as they look to compete at the highest level once again.
