Mourinho sets deadline to decide future amid Real Madrid return talks

Mourinho sets deadline to decide future amid Real Madrid return talksOver the past couple of days, rumours surrounding Jose Mourinho returning to Real Madrid have been gaining weight.

>The Portuguese tactician, currently in charge at SL Benfica, has reportedly emerged as club president Florentino Perez’s favourite candidate to replace Alvaro Arbeloa.

>There have been direct talks between Perez and Mourinho’s agent, Jorge Mendes, about a possible return to the club.

Mourinho wants future decided soonNow, according to AS, Mourinho wants his future resolved no later than 24 May. The Portuguese coach is currently considering three possible scenarios.

>One option is continuity, with the club offering a contract extension that would include a high release clause, tying both parties together long term.

>He has already fulfilled his part with Benfica by submitting a dossier outlining his requirements to continue for the 2026/27 season, the final year of his current contract. The next move now rests with Rui Costa, Benfica’s president and the man responsible for appointing him.

>The second scenario is one where Benfica decide to make an immediate change on the bench, a scenario not entirely ruled out in Portugal.

Will Jose return to Madrid? (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

>The third option would come into play if a club of interest, whether Real Madrid or another, offers him a managerial position. In that case, Mourinho can activate a release clause set at a relatively low figure.

>Notably, this amount matches the compensation Benfica would have to pay him if they chose to dismiss him this summer, effectively creating a two-way mechanism.

Real Madrid watching closelyMourinho has informed Benfica that he will wait only until around a week after the Portuguese league season ends on 16 May, when Benfica face Estoril Praia.

>This timeline is strategic, as both the Premier League and LaLiga conclude that same weekend, 23-24 May, which are his primary markets.

>Real Madrid, for their part, are observing the situation calmly from a distance.

>They are fully aware of the conditions that would allow Mourinho to leave Benfica, and it is no secret that strong ties remain between the club’s hierarchy and the coach despite his controversial previous spell in charge.

>However, the Spanish capita club are proceeding with caution regarding their managerial future.