Mourinho sets deadline to decide future amid Real Madrid return talks

Will Jose return to Madrid? (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

The third option would come into play if a club of interest, whether Real Madrid or another, offers him a managerial position. In that case, Mourinho can activate a release clause set at a relatively low figure.

Notably, this amount matches the compensation Benfica would have to pay him if they chose to dismiss him this summer, effectively creating a two-way mechanism.

Real Madrid watching closely

Mourinho has informed Benfica that he will wait only until around a week after the Portuguese league season ends on 16 May, when Benfica face Estoril Praia.

This timeline is strategic, as both the Premier League and LaLiga conclude that same weekend, 23-24 May, which are his primary markets.

Real Madrid, for their part, are observing the situation calmly from a distance.

They are fully aware of the conditions that would allow Mourinho to leave Benfica, and it is no secret that strong ties remain between the club’s hierarchy and the coach despite his controversial previous spell in charge.

However, the Spanish capita club are proceeding with caution regarding their managerial future.