Benfica have confirmed in a statement that if Florentino Perez is elected as Real Madrid’s president, Jose Mourinho will become their manager, with the Spanish club paying £12.9m (€15m) to Benfica. 

“Benfica informs that the candidacy of President Florentino Pérez for the Real Madrid CF elections has expressed the firm intention to hire coach José Mário dos Santos Mourinho Félix should he win the elections for the presidency of that club, scheduled for June 7, 2026,” a statement to the stock exchange said.

“Should such a scenario occur, the hiring will be carried out for the amount of €15,000,000, corresponding to the termination clause of the current sports employment contract.”