News Focus
- Mourinho commits to Santiago Bernabeu until summer 2029
- Release clause jumps from €3m to €15m after May deadline passes
- Presentation scheduled for June 8th pending presidential election results
- Portuguese tactician plans to bring four Benfica staff members to Madrid
Real Madrid have secured their new manager despite not having a president in office at present. The Spanish giants have reached a formal agreement with Jose Mourinho, who will leave his post at Benfica to take charge at the Bernabeu.
The 63-year-old has put pen to paper on a deal that runs until 2029. This move comes even though the club’s presidential elections are still ongoing. Incumbent Florentino Perez faces Enrique Riquelme at the polls on June 7th, with Perez widely expected to retain his position.
Mourinho’s exit from Portugal has become more expensive than initially planned. His contract with Benfica contained a €3m release clause, but this expired on May 25th. Los Blancos may now need to pay up to €15m to secure his services. The former Chelsea and Inter Milan boss rejected a new offer from the Lisbon club in favour of returning to Madrid, where he previously managed between 2010 and 2013.
If Perez wins the election as predicted, Mourinho will be officially unveiled on June 8th. However, questions remain about whether the contract includes escape clauses should Riquelme cause an upset. The coach is already preparing for life in the Spanish capital by organising his backroom team.
Four members of his Benfica staff are expected to follow him. These include assistants Joao Tralhao and Pedro Machado, fitness coach Antonio Dias, and analyst Roberto Merella. Additionally, Mourinho wants to recruit a former Real Madrid player to his coaching setup. This individual would help maintain positive relations between the dugout and the dressing room, whilst also helping to settle any disputes among squad members.