Portuguese giants Benfica have officially announced the departure of veteran manager José Mourinho, with the experienced coach now on the verge of a sensational return to Real Madrid.
The Lisbon-based club confirmed on Tuesday that Real Madrid had formally expressed its intention to sign Mourinho and activate the €15 million release clause contained in his contract.
“Benfica confirms that Real Madrid has communicated its intention to hire coach José Mourinho. The Spanish club has expressed its willingness to pay the termination clause of €15 million,” the club said in an official statement.
Mourinho, 63, who previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2012, winning a La Liga title, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup, has been linked with a return to the Bernabéu for weeks. His departure from Benfica ends a short but impactful reign at the Estádio da Luz.
Real Madrid are currently seeking a permanent successor to Carlo Ancelotti, who left at the end of the season. Mourinho’s imminent return is expected to be finalized in the coming days, pending personal terms.
Neither Mourinho nor Real Madrid have commented publicly on the development as of press time.
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