Real Madrid inform Benfica they will activate Mourinho’s €15 million exit clause next week

Jose Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid appears to be entering its final stages, with fresh reports suggesting that the club is now preparing to formally complete the operation.

According to Portuguese outlet Record , Real Madrid have informed Benfica that they will activate Mourinho’s €15 million release clause next week, clearing the final hurdle before the Portuguese coach can officially begin his new chapter at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The move comes after weeks of speculation surrounding Mourinho’s future and represents the strongest indication yet that his appointment is now only a matter of time.

Mourinho has been heavily linked with the Real Madrid job for several weeks, and Florentino Perez’s presidential campaign has already presented the Portuguese manager as the man chosen to lead the club into a new era.

An agreement between Real Madrid and Mourinho has been in place for some time , but contractual obligations with Benfica meant the operation could not be completed immediately.

Florentino Perez has an agreement with Mourinho. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Notably, last week, Mourinho’s release clause stood at €7 million. However, delays caused by the ongoing presidential election process prevented Real Madrid from activating the clause before its expiry date.

As a result, the amount required to release the coach from his Benfica contract has now increased to €15 million .