Real Madrid has identified Jose Mourinho as their preferred choice for their next manager, but the club’s plans have been temporarily put on hold. This pause is due to the calling of new presidential elections, following the ratification of Enrique Riquelme’s candidacy to challenge Florentino Perez for the club’s presidency.
Florentino Perez has been the primary proponent of bringing Mourinho back to the club 13 years after his initial tenure. An agreement for a two-year contract with the current Benfica head coach has reportedly been reached. However, the impending election has necessitated a halt in finalizing his return, a situation that could come at a considerable financial cost to Real Madrid.
According to reports from Diario AS, Mourinho’s current exit clause at Benfica, valued at €7 million, is set to expire on Tuesday. If Real Madrid fails to secure his services by activating this clause before it lapses, the asking price is expected to double to €15 million.
This €15 million figure represents Mourinho’s gross salary at Benfica. Should Real Madrid not trigger the exit clause, the Portuguese club’s initial demand would be this sum. While negotiations to potentially reduce this amount are not entirely ruled out, it is considered unlikely that the figure would revert to the original €7 million.
Mourinho Remains Calm Amidst Potential Price Hike
Jose Mourinho himself appears unperturbed by the developing situation. He is reportedly eager for a second spell at Real Madrid and, despite the current delay, does not believe his opportunity for a comeback is diminishing.
It remains to be seen if there will be any significant developments concerning Real Madrid and Mourinho within the next 24 hours. While a swift resolution is improbable, there is ample time before the pre-season period for all arrangements to be finalized and for the previously agreed-upon terms to be formally concluded.
