When will Real Madrid officially announce José Mourinho’s appointment?

Florentino Pérez’s first major move after being re-elected Real Madrid president with 65% of the vote will be to finalize the long-planned appointment of José Mourinho.

The deal has effectively been on hold during the club’s election period, but that delay is now coming to an end. The Portuguese coach is expected to sign his contract in the coming hours after reaching a full agreement with Madrid weeks ago.

The remaining obstacle has been Benfica. According to reports, Real Madrid will pay €15 million (about $17.3 million) to secure Mourinho’s release, matching the coach’s annual gross salary at the Portuguese club.

Pérez’s campaign team appeared to confirm the impending announcement with a social media video featuring Mourinho. Asked whether Pérez had won the election, the coach responded with a smile: “Yes, of course.”

Benfica stands firm

A clause that would have allowed Mourinho to leave Benfica for €7 million (just over $8 million) expired on May 26. The election process delayed Madrid’s move, and Benfica refused to lower its demands despite mediation efforts from super-agent Jorge Mendes.

As a result, Madrid will pay the full €15 million/$17.3 million requested by the Lisbon club.

Marco Silva, currently at Fulham and also represented by Mendes, is expected to replace Mourinho at Benfica.

Mourinho’s agreement with Real Madrid is reportedly for two seasons, with a third year automatically triggered if he wins LaLiga.

The main reason Mourinho wants Madrid return

The biggest reason Mourinho accepted the challenge is his desire to win the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid.

During his first spell at the club from 2010 to 2013, he won a LaLiga title, a Copa del Rey, and a Spanish Super Cup. However, the Champions League remained elusive despite three consecutive semifinal appearances.

Pérez has often credited Mourinho with laying the foundations for one of the most successful eras in club history. In the years that followed his departure, Real Madrid went on to win six Champions League titles in 11 seasons.

Now Mourinho has an opportunity to complete what he could not achieve the first time around.

Squad rebuild already underway

The official announcement of Mourinho’s return is expected soon, and the coach is eager to get to work.

He is aware that the election campaign cost valuable time in the transfer market and wants to accelerate Madrid’s rebuilding plans.

Reports indicate that Mourinho has already presented a clear shopping list to club executives. The priorities include one or two center backs, a right back, a left back, and two midfielders, including one creative playmaker and one defensive specialist.

Yet Mourinho’s most important message to the club may not be about positions at all.

No Galácticos, just hungry players

Unlike previous eras at Real Madrid, Mourinho is not pushing for blockbuster superstar signings.

Instead, he wants players with hunger, intensity, and a willingness to sacrifice for the team. Competitive personalities, hard workers, and players willing to run are at the top of his wish list. Just as important, he wants to avoid dressing-room egos.

That philosophy represents a clear statement of intent as he prepares for his second stint at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Some targets are already advancing. Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté, whose contract is nearing its end, is among the names linked with a free transfer, similar to the arrivals of David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger in recent years.

Inter Milan wing-back Denzel Dumfries has also been mentioned as a potential option at right back.

Before making final decisions on the rest of Madrid’s transfer business, however, Mourinho wants to see his new team in action and evaluate the squad firsthand once the season gets underway.

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