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Benfica confirmed on Tuesday that they have parted ways with coach José Mourinho, opening the door for his potential return to Real Madrid.
The Lisbon club revealed that Real Madrid had “formalised their intention to sign Mourinho for a fee of 15 million euros ($17.25 million),” the amount stipulated in the Portuguese coach’s release clause.
Mourinho, 63, first took charge at Real Madrid in 2010, spending three seasons at the Spanish capital. During that time, he led Los Blancos to one La Liga title, a Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup, all while navigating a fierce rivalry with Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona.
His return, however, comes after two consecutive trophyless seasons for Madrid, making his appointment a gamble for president Florentino Pérez, whose re-election last weekend paved the way for the move, as he looks to revitalise a squad that has struggled to secure major silverware.
In response to Mourinho’s exit, Benfica swiftly announced a two-year deal with Marco Silva, who left Fulham last week after five seasons in the Premier League. Silva is expected to take over at Benfica immediately, as the club seeks stability following Mourinho’s departure.
Real Madrid also confirmed the departure of interim coach Álvaro Arbeloa on Tuesday. Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January, had announced last month that he would be leaving his post at the end of the season, capping off a transitional period for the Spanish giants.
