Mourinho’s Benfica Contract and Potential Return to Real Madrid

omidbasir- Jose Mourinho signed a two-year contract with Benfica at the beginning of this season. Notably, his contract contains a clause permitting him to leave for any club without a termination fee, which simplifies a potential return to Real Madrid for club president Florentino Pérez. However, this clause can only be activated within a 10-day period following Benfica’s last match of the season. Although the Real Madrid board has yet to officially approach Mourinho, the presence of this window poses a significant challenge to the current management, granting Mourinho leverage to return to the pinnacle of European football should Pérez make the call.

Currently, Mourinho is enjoying his time in Portugal, appreciating the opportunity to be closer to his family after years spent abroad. Reports indicate that he feels at home in Lisbon and has not publicly expressed a desire to leave. Nevertheless, the allure of the Bernabéu remains strong. While the Portuguese Football Federation has expressed concerns regarding his intense personality when considering him for the national team after the World Cup, Mourinho retains a deep affection for Madrid. A call from Pérez could alter the course of his career, despite the recent decline in their communication due to changes in contact information and professional paths.

The recent Champions League encounter between Benfica and Real Madrid served as a stark reminder of Mourinho’s tactical acumen for the Madrid supporters. Having referred to Arbeloa as “his boy,” he orchestrated a remarkable 4-2 victory, capped by a last-minute goal from Anatoliy Trubin. The exuberant celebrations that ensued, which Mourinho later apologized for, underscored the enduring passion that the veteran coach possesses.

Mourinho has recently alluded to a potential return to the Bernabéu, mentioning how close he was to visiting the stadium prior to accepting the Benfica position. He stated after the first leg on January 28, “I was very close to going to the Bernabéu for the first time since my departure. My friend Oscar Ribot had arranged everything, but just the day before, Benfica called me and I had to come and sign.”

The dynamic between Pérez and Mourinho remains crucial in this situation. Despite their infrequent communication in recent years, the upcoming Champions League playoff provides an ideal occasion for a direct meeting.

Pérez is anticipated to decide soon whether to attend the first leg in Lisbon this week, with the return match scheduled for the Spanish capital eight days later.

For the time being, Mourinho is dedicated to his project at Benfica, aiming to shape the squad according to his vision for the upcoming season. However, the attraction of Real Madrid is unparalleled in global football. With the “free” clause in effect this summer, the financial obstacles typically associated with mid-contract transfers are no longer applicable. As the season draws to a close, the 10-day window could prove irresistible for Pérez and Real Madrid. Whether Mourinho will reclaim his position at the club remains uncertain, but the opportunity is undeniably present.