Real Madrid's Mourinho Deal Costs Rise After Contract Clause Expires

Real Madrid now faces a higher financial outlay to secure Jose Mourinho following the expiration of a key release clause in his Benfica contract. Initially, the Spanish club could have signed the Portuguese coach for roughly €6 million, but administrative delays connected to the club’s presidential election have pushed the potential cost up to €15 million.

The club remains on track to bring Mourinho back for a second tenure, with plans for him to replace Alvaro Arbeloa on a three-year contract, as reported by The Athletic. A release clause in Mourinho’s deal with Benfica allowed clubs to acquire him for around €6 million within 10 working days after the Portuguese season ended. That window closed on May 29, resulting in the increased compensation Madrid may now have to pay.

The delay in finalizing the deal is tied to Real Madrid’s presidential election process. Florentino Perez, who has spearheaded the effort to appoint Mourinho, has faced challenges completing the agreement due to political developments within the club. Perez called for a presidential election despite having a mandate until 2029, citing a campaign by individuals “in the shadows” aiming to unseat him.

The candidacy of entrepreneur Enrique Riquelme complicated the confirmation of Perez’s presidency and delayed the administrative procedures necessary to finalize Mourinho’s hiring before the release clause expired. Riquelme’s entry into the race on May 23 disrupted Madrid’s original plan to announce Mourinho’s appointment before the end of May.

Despite these obstacles, Real Madrid and Mourinho reportedly reached a full agreement during the week following May 16, with the former Chelsea and Inter manager signing a three-year deal. The club continues its operations, including Antonio Rudiger’s recent contract extension, while preparations proceed behind the scenes regarding Mourinho’s coaching staff and summer transfer targets after two trophyless seasons.

Before Mourinho’s return can be officially confirmed, Real Madrid must await the presidential vote scheduled for June 7. Although the expiration of the Benfica release clause has increased the financial demands of the deal, it is not expected to change Madrid’s intentions. Mourinho remains Perez’s preferred choice to lead the club’s efforts to regain success domestically and in Europe.

However, if Riquelme wins the presidency, Mourinho’s comeback at Santiago Bernabeu could be jeopardized, as Riquelme has previously stated that the new manager has never managed Real Madrid before.