Benfica confirm Mourinho approach as Perez eyes €15m release clause

Benfica have confirmed that Real Madrid have registered formal interest in appointing Jose Mourinho as their next head coach, linking the approach to the club's upcoming presidential election. The contact came from the camp of Florentino Perez, who is seeking re-election and is battling Enrique Riquelme for the presidency; a victory for Perez would set the wheels in motion for a return to Madrid.

In a statement to the Portuguese Securities Market Commission the club said they had been contacted about Mourinho's availability and stressed that any move would require activation of a specific release clause. The fee to secure his services is set at €15 million, a figure that matches the salary he would be entitled to during the final year of his current contract at the Estadio da Luz.

Perez has positioned Mourinho as a counter to Riquelme's promises to sign Erling Haaland and Rodri, and his campaign posted a video appearing to show the coach accepting a return.

Portugal

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