Real Madrid could be approaching a decisive moment in their managerial plans for next season after fresh reports revealed a key detail in Jose Mourinho’s contract with Benfica.
According to AS, the Portuguese coach currently has a clause in his Benfica contract that would allow him to leave the club for €3 million.
However, that clause reportedly expires on May 26, creating a very specific timeframe that could prove important for Real Madrid’s plans.
Mourinho remains leading candidate
For several weeks now, Mourinho has continued to appear as one of the strongest candidates to become Real Madrid’s next manager.
The report claims that the timing of several developments within the club could align perfectly with the activation period of Mourinho’s release clause.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is likely to call elections within the next two days.
If no opposing candidate steps forward, Perez would officially remain president on May 24.
Everything aligns perfectly for Mourinho to become the new Real Madrid manager. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
That timing has naturally fuelled speculation that the club could move quickly afterwards regarding the managerial situation.
Mourinho clause expires on May 26
The outlet reports that Mourinho’s clause remains active until May 26 because Benfica’s final match of the season will take place on May 16 against Estoril.
The agreement allows the coach to leave Benfica for a fixed fee during the 10 days following that fixture.
Simply put, the timeline appears to fit closely with Perez’s expected reappointment as president, potentially creating the ideal moment for Real Madrid to finalise the appointment.
At the same time, Real Madrid’s Articles of Association technically allow the outgoing board to continue operating until the new president is formally elected.
However, appointing a new manager before the election process officially concludes would be viewed as inappropriate, even if the possibility of another candidate entering the race remains extremely remote.