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José Mourinho is on the verge of a sensational return to the Real Madrid dugout after years away from the Spanish capital.
The Portuguese tactician has emerged as the chosen one to lead a new era at the Santiago Bernabéu as Los Blancos have paid Mourinho’s release clause at Benfica to facilitate his sensational return 13 years after he left.
Real Madrid have officially cleared the way for Mourinho to return to the club after paying his release clause at Benfica.
Sky Sport Italia report that the Spanish giants triggered the €3m fee demanded to terminate his contract with the Lisbon-based side on Monday 18 May.
The move marks a crucial step in Florentino Perez’s plan to bring the ‘Special One’ 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 Supercopa de España.
Two-year deal on the table
Negotiations between the club and Mourinho’s representative, Jorge Mendes, have progressed rapidly over the past few days.
While the manager had recently suggested he was likely to stay in Portugal, the opportunity to lead a rebuilding project at the Bernabeu proved impossible to turn down.
Mourinho has reportedly reached a verbal agreement for a two-year contract to take over at the end of the current campaign.
The manager recently commented on the situation, stating: “I haven’t heard anything from Real Madrid yet, but none of us are naive and there are talks between Jorge [Mendes]the chairman and the club’s management.
“I will personally talk to Real Madrid next week and I will make my decision then. So far there have only been talks between Real Madrid and Jorge Mendes, not with me.”
Perez sets announcement date
Perez is keen to make quick progress after a trophyless season which saw Madrid finish second to arch-rivals Barcelona.
Reports suggest that the club have already planned an internal timeline to introduce Mourinho as the new head coach once the domestic season officially ends.
The plan is to announce the Portuguese tactician’s return next Sunday or Monday.
This coincides with the end of the Liga season, with Madrid’s final match scheduled against Athletic Club on Saturday.
Perez believes Mourinho’s character is essential to managing a dressing room that requires discipline and a winning mentality.
Impact of upcoming elections
The appointment comes at a politically sensitive time for the club, as Perez 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, particularly focusing on the squad’s fitness and rotation policies to combat a recent injury plague.
2026 FIFA World Cup: How to watch
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The June 11 opener between Mexico and South Africa (3 p.m. ET) will stream for free on Tubi, as will the USA’s June 12 opener against Paraguay (9 p.m. ET).
