Real Madrid are facing an unexpected increase in the cost of appointing Jose Mourinho as their new manager, potentially exceeding €15 million, according to reports from Portuguese outlet Record. The Benfica coach was widely expected to return to the Bernabeu following the conclusion of the Portuguese season, but the move has been stalled by an unforeseen presidential election at the Spanish club.
Florentino Perez, the current Real Madrid president, is being challenged by Enrique Riquelme, who has publicly advocated for Jurgen Klopp to play a significant role within the club’s sporting structure. This electoral contest has directly impacted the timeline for Mourinho’s appointment, pushing it beyond a crucial deadline in his Benfica contract.
Mourinho’s contract with Benfica includes a release clause of €7 million valid for a ten-day period after the end of the season. However, with Perez scheduling the election for June 7th, Real Madrid are now set to miss this window, which will raise the release clause to €18 million. An announcement regarding Mourinho is not anticipated until after the election, assuming Perez secures re-election as expected.
The delay carries significant implications for both clubs. Real Madrid could be forced to pay an additional €11 million to Benfica, while the Portuguese side faces uncertainty regarding their coaching position. Benfica have identified Fulham manager Marco Silva as a potential replacement for Mourinho, but Silva is currently considering extending his contract with the Premier League club and may be hesitant to wait for the outcome of the Real Madrid election.
Record suggests two potential resolutions to the impasse, though both are considered unlikely. Benfica president Rui Costa could opt to terminate Mourinho’s contract, effectively sacking him, and immediately pursue a new manager. Alternatively, Mourinho could choose to personally cover the increased release clause, becoming a free agent until the Real Madrid election concludes. The latter scenario is deemed improbable given the financial implications for the manager.
What initially appeared to be a straightforward return for Mourinho to Real Madrid has become increasingly complex and expensive. While the move still seems likely, the Spanish club now faces a more challenging and costly operation than initially anticipated.
