Real Madrid are poised to re-appoint José Mourinho as their manager for a reported fee of €15 million, according to The Athletic. The 61-year-old Portuguese coach, currently managing Benfica, is nearing a return to the Spanish capital thirteen years after his first spell with the club concluded. A release clause of approximately €6 million was included in Mourinho’s contract with Benfica, but it expired on Friday, May 29th, ten working days after the end of the season.
The timing of the potential appointment has been complicated by the recent announcement of presidential elections at Real Madrid. Club president Florentino Pérez unexpectedly called for new elections during a press conference on May 12th, preventing an immediate announcement of Mourinho’s return following the final La Liga matchday. Pérez had reportedly hoped to unveil Mourinho swiftly, viewing it as the most financially advantageous course of action.
The deal to bring Mourinho back to the Santiago Bernabéu will now depend on Pérez being re-elected on June 7th. Sources close to Real Madrid suggest the transfer will ultimately cost the club close to €15 million, reflecting the expired release clause and the need to negotiate a compensation package with Benfica. Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, winning a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey, and a Spanish Super Cup.
Mourinho’s recent managerial stint with Benfica has seen a period of relative stability after spells with Tottenham Hotspur and Roma. He led Roma to the Europa Conference League title in 2022, showcasing his continued ability to deliver silverware. His return to Real Madrid represents a significant shift for the club, following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti, who recently agreed to manage Bayern Munich. The appointment signals a desire for a more direct and pragmatic approach, characteristics strongly associated with Mourinho’s management style. This move could see Real Madrid refocus on immediate success and a return to dominance in both La Liga and the Champions League.
This will be Mourinho’s second spell in charge of Los Blancos, and the club will be hoping he can replicate the success he achieved in his first tenure. The financial implications of the deal, coupled with the political landscape surrounding the presidential elections, have created a complex situation, but the prospect of Mourinho returning to Madrid is undeniably exciting for fans of the club.
