Benfica Demand €15m as Real Madrid Move to Bring José Mourinho Back to the Bernabéu
Portuguese giants Benfica have confirmed that any attempt by Real Madrid to appoint manager José Mourinho will require the Spanish club to pay a hefty €15 million release clause.
The development comes amid reports that Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is keen on bringing Mourinho back to the Santiago Bernabéu as part of his vision ahead of the club's presidential elections.
In a statement released on Thursday, Benfica disclosed that Perez had formally communicated his "firm intention to recruit" Mourinho. However, the Portuguese club made it clear that the former Real Madrid boss remains under contract and can only leave if his release clause is activated.
The clarification puts to rest earlier media reports that suggested Mourinho could be available for as little as €3 million.
Adding fuel to the speculation, Mourinho recently appeared in a video shared on Florentino Perez's Instagram account, where he reportedly indicated his willingness to return to the Spanish capital and take charge of the club once again.
Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey, and a Spanish Super Cup during his first spell. His tenure is remembered for restoring the club's competitiveness during one of the most intense periods of rivalry with Barcelona.
Should the move materialize, it would mark one of the most dramatic managerial returns in modern football and potentially reshape Real Madrid's plans for the coming seasons.
Opinion: Mourinho's Return Would Be Bold, Risky, and Fascinating
Few managers divide opinion in football quite like José Mourinho. For some, he remains one of the greatest tacticians of his generation; for others, his methods belong to a previous era.
Yet one thing is certain: a Mourinho return to Real Madrid would instantly become one of football's biggest stories.
The Portuguese coach knows the club, understands the pressure that comes with managing Madrid, and has a proven track record of winning trophies. More importantly, he commands respect in the dressing room and thrives in high-pressure environments.
However, football has evolved significantly since his first spell at the Bernabéu. Modern squads often demand a different style of management, while supporters increasingly expect attacking football alongside results.
The reported €15 million release clause also raises questions. While Real Madrid can easily afford the fee, the decision ultimately comes down to whether the club believes Mourinho is the right man to lead its next chapter rather than simply revisiting a successful period from the past.
For Florentino Perez, bringing Mourinho back could be a statement of ambition ahead of the elections. For Madrid fans, it would be a reunion filled with nostalgia, excitement, and perhaps a little uncertainty.
One thing is guaranteed: if Mourinho returns to the Bernabéu, the football world will be watching.
