According to “The Athletic,” Jose Mourinho has already informed several Benfica officials of his departure from the Portuguese club in preparation for taking over as Real Madrid manager next season.
The “Special One” is eligible to negotiate with any club from next Sunday until the end of May. Real Madrid is expected to pay Benfica €3 million, the value of the release clause required to terminate his contract during this period.
Negotiations with Florentino Pérez
Benfica offered Mourinho a new contract to stay at the Estádio da Luz, but he rejected it, as he is highly enthusiastic about a second stint at the Santiago Bernabéu.
According to the latest reports, a meeting between Mourinho and Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez will take place next week to finalize the agreement and sign the contracts for the Portuguese’s return to the Merengues.
Enzo Fernández Questions Real Madrid Move Amid Mourinho’s Imminent Return
Benfica’s Search for a Successor
The Benfica board is now fully aware of the situation and has already begun searching for a new coach to succeed Mourinho.
Ruben Amorim, the former Sporting Lisbon and Manchester United manager, reportedly tops the list of candidates.
Mourinho is waiting for the season to end this Saturday before officially notifying Benfica in writing and publicly announcing his move to Real Madrid.
He hopes to leave on a high note by securing second place in the Portuguese league and guaranteeing Champions League qualification.
