At a glance
- Jose Mourinho is Real Madrid President Florentino Perez’s preferred candidate to become the next Los Blancos head coach.
- Benfica are attempting to block that by offering him a renewal, however.
- Freeing Mourinho from his Benfica duties will cost €3 million.
Benfica are attempting to block Jose Mourinho’s possible second move to Real Madrid according to AS.
With Alvaro Arbeloa unconvincing in the hotseat after taking over from Xabi Alonso in January, Mourinho is a surprise preferred candidate of Florentino Perez‘s.
Perez will play an active part in the choosing of Madrid’s next manager. It’s a crucial time in the club’s modern day history, with the club is closing on a second consecutive season without major silverware.
In the background, however, Mourinho’s current employers Benfica are attempting to scupper the move. The Spanish media explains that the Lisbon giants have scheduled a meeting with their compatriot. At the beginning of next week, they’ll discuss a possible renewal for the manager.
Mourinho will need some time to consider his options. But he’ll also wait to see what Perez has up his sleeve in the Spanish capital.
Mourinho clause could prove key to Real Madrid move – or not
Benfica will be powerless to stop Real Madrid triggering a reported €3 million release clause which can snatch Mourinho away.
Yet the aim of renewal talks will be to get the two-time Champions League winner to commit. After that, Benfica can remove this element from a new contract.
At present, the clause can be triggered 10 days after playing the last game of the season in the Portuguese Liga.
Benfica currently lie in second with three fixtures to spare. The last one of the campaign will be played away at Estoril on May 26, meaning Madrid have up until the 26th to make a move and pay the fine.
Meanwhile, Jorge Picon reports that Mourinho has been in contact with Madrid and figures in the locker room to see how things are going at Valdebebas.
If this is true, there’s solid interest in a second stint there. Yet until further news breaks or an announcement is made, Mourinho remains under the employ of Benfica for another 13 months.
