Rui Costa meeting brings Mourinho closer to Real Madrid return

José Mourinho’s long-anticipated return to Real Madrid is moving into its final stages.

The Portuguese coach is expected to meet Benfica president Rui Costa in Lisbon later today to inform him in person that he will not continue at Estádio da Luz. Mourinho’s intention is to accept the offer being prepared by Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, setting the stage for a second spell in charge of the Spanish giants.

Mourinho’s Benfica contract allows exit

Mourinho is under contract with Benfica through 2027, and the club had also offered him improved terms to extend his deal while handing him control over the sporting project for the coming years.

However, the agreement reportedly included a release clause allowing him to terminate the deal unilaterally for €7 million (almost $8.2 million). Real Madrid are expected to cover that fee once his appointment is made official.

When could Mourinho be announced as Real Madrid coach?

The announcement could be delayed until Sunday due to Real Madrid’s internal election timeline.

The deadline to submit presidential candidacies runs until midnight Saturday. The club cannot officially confirm any major decisions until Sunday, May 25, when Florentino Pérez is expected to be proclaimed president again, provided no additional candidates emerge.

If all proceeds as expected, Mourinho’s presentation could take place Monday, May 26, at Real Madrid’s training complex in Valdebebas. He could sign a two-year deal running through 2028.

A return to a familiar stage

What appears increasingly certain is that Mourinho is the chosen candidate, a development AS has been reporting for several weeks.

If finalized, it would mark his return to the club he led from 2010 to 2013, a period that included a record-breaking LaLiga title with 100 points and 121 goals scored, along with a Copa del Rey and a Spanish Super Cup.

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