Jose Mourinho reportedly has a secret clause in his Benfica contract that will allow him to leave the Portuguese club for Real Madrid at a reduced price at the end of the season. The former Madrid manager is closing in on a sensational return to his former side, with Madrid president Florentino Perez personally sounding him out as a replacement for Alvaro Arbeloa.
Contract Details and Timeline
Talks are expected to accelerate at the end of the season, with Mourinho currently on the verge of an invincible season with Benfica in Portugal. However, he is understood to be Real Madrid's preferred candidate, and a move may be made easier by a clause in his contract. According to Spanish publication AS, this clause allows Madrid to secure a deal for around £2.6 million if completed within 10 days of Benfica's final game of the season. That game is scheduled for next weekend, when Benfica takes on Estoril on May 16, effectively giving Madrid until May 26 to finalize the transfer on the cheap.
Mourinho's Previous Stint at Real Madrid
Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, leading the club to one LaLiga title, a Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. His tenure featured numerous hard-fought battles with rivals Barcelona, led by Pep Guardiola. Xabi Alonso was sacked after just eight months earlier this season, with Arbeloa then promoted from his role with Real Madrid's B-team. Mourinho's current Benfica contract runs until the summer of 2027.
As revealed by Daily Mail Sport, the 63-year-old Mourinho believes he has unfinished business at Madrid, where he lost three consecutive Champions League semi-finals. He would reject any advances from Chelsea this summer to return to London for a third time in favor of a return to Spain. Perez wants Mourinho presented before the World Cup. Mourinho will also be given the final word on whether to sell Aurelien Tchouameni or Federico Valverde this summer after their training ground bust-up in the week. He is said to be of the view that the squad is unbalanced and wants to strengthen several positions in the summer.
