José Mourinho, the current head coach of Benfica, has firmly denied any recent contact with Real Madrid officials.
Despite mounting speculation, the “Special One” clarified that his future will be decided only after the conclusion of the Portuguese league season.
Denying the “Conditions” Rumors
Spanish media outlets have recently claimed that Mourinho is the top candidate to succeed Alvaro Arbeloa at the Santiago Bernabéu and that he had already set “record-breaking conditions” for his return. Mourinho dismissed these reports as entirely baseless.
During a press conference on Sunday, Mourinho stated:
“Talk about Real Madrid continues, and I prefer not to comment. However, I can confirm one thing: I have had no contact with the President or any other official there.”
When Will Mourinho’s Future Be Decided?
Regarding his tenure at Benfica, the Portuguese tactician noted that clubs, rather than individuals, usually initiate the moving process. He provided a specific timeline for when negotiations might begin:
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The Final Match: Benfica faces Estoril this coming Saturday.
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The Decision Window: “After that match, I will have a one-week period where I am free to speak with whomever I deem appropriate,” Mourinho added.
The Release Clause
Reports suggest that if Real Madrid decides to move for Mourinho, they would only need to pay a €3 million release clause to Benfica, provided the deal is finalized within that one-week window following the season finale.
