Real Madrid are reportedly close to reaching an agreement with José Mourinho for a sensational return to the Santiago Bernabéu. The Portuguese manager is said to be preparing to sign a three-year contract for a second spell in charge of Los Blancos.
However, the deal has not yet been fully finalized. Internal political tensions within Real Madrid are believed to be the main reason behind the delay in completing the official paperwork for Mourinho’s return.
This delay has unexpectedly created a major financial consequence for the Spanish giants, as the cost of securing Mourinho has now increased significantly following a missed deadline linked to his release clause.
Madrid Politics Slow Down Mourinho Deal
According to RTP, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is currently fully engaged in a tightly contested presidential election battle. His focus is divided as he faces strong competition from challenger Enrique Riquelme.
Although a verbal agreement over a three-year contract with Mourinho has already been reached, the formal signing process has yet to take place. This technical delay means Mourinho is still officially tied to Benfica for the time being.
That situation has proven costly for Real Madrid. A special release window that allowed the club to activate Mourinho’s €7 million buyout clause expired on Tuesday, May 26.
With that deadline now gone, Mourinho’s release clause has reportedly doubled to €15 million. This shift significantly strengthens Benfica president Rui Costa’s negotiating position in talks with Real Madrid.
Mourinho Still Determined to Return to the Bernabéu
Despite the political and financial complications, Mourinho is said to remain fully committed to returning to the Spanish capital. The Portuguese coach previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013.
During his first spell, Mourinho led the club to a record-breaking La Liga title with 100 points, one of the most dominant domestic campaigns in Madrid’s modern history. However, he fell short of delivering the long-awaited “La Decima” — the club’s 10th Champions League trophy at the time.
Reports suggest Mourinho views this potential return as an opportunity to complete unfinished business at the Bernabéu. His proposed contract is also believed to include performance-based clauses, which would strengthen his position if he manages to restore Madrid’s dominance in domestic competitions within the first two seasons.
Benfica Already Planning Life After Mourinho
The uncertainty surrounding Mourinho’s future is also affecting Benfica’s preparations for the upcoming season. The Portuguese club is reportedly struggling to plan their pre-season schedule as the managerial situation remains unresolved.
Pressure is also mounting on president Rui Costa after Benfica failed to secure automatic qualification to the Europa League group stage. Supporters have urged the club hierarchy to resolve the issue quickly so the team can focus fully on preparations.
Following reported setbacks in their pursuit of Ruben Amorim, Benfica have now turned their attention to Fulham manager Marco Silva. The Lisbon-based club is attempting to convince Silva to leave the Premier League and return to Portugal as a potential replacement for Mourinho.
A High-Stakes Managerial Saga Still Unfolding
With negotiations still ongoing and financial terms shifting, Mourinho’s long-awaited return to Real Madrid remains one of the most closely watched stories in European football. What initially looked like a straightforward reunion has now turned into a complex mix of politics, timing, and rising costs — all of which must be resolved before the deal can finally be completed.
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