Real Madrid face deadline in José Mourinho race as Benfica release clause has expiration date

The search for a new manager may begin very soon for Real Madrid after a year without trophies. However, they may not have much time to think if they want José Mourinho, because his release clause at Benfica has an expiration date.

If Florentino Pérez wants to hire Mourinho to replace Álvaro Arbeloa, he would have to pay the release clause. According to Fabrizio Romano, May is the last month in which the Portuguese manager can trigger that option for 3-4 million euros.

That date would come after the season ends. The Athletic says it is 10 days after Benfica’s final match, which would make May 27 the final chance to activate the clause. What would have to happen first is for Real Madrid to decide who they want.

Mourinho isn’t thinking about Real Madrid

There is nothing confirmed about Real Madrid yet. In a season without trophies, their slim chance of winning one is in La Liga, but they are 11 points behind Barcelona with just five matches remaining.

Talk around Mourinho as a preferred option for club president Pérez has fueled rumors about a return to the club where he managed before. It is not something the manager appears to be thinking about.

Mourinho was asked about the possibility of managing Real Madrid this year in an interview with Mediaset Italia, and he gave a clear answer focused on the present: “My next goal is taking Benfica to the Champions League.”

Benfica’s season under Mourinho

Benfica have not had the season expected after Mourinho’s arrival. Even if they have not lost in the Primeira Liga, they are seven points behind Porto with three matches remaining. In the Taça de Portugal they were eliminated by Porto in the quarterfinals. Their Champions League run ended against Real Madrid in the playoff.