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The spotlight is on the Portuguese coach
In light of the intensifying rumors of Jose Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid, Benfica president Rui Costa is moving quickly behind the scenes to secure his Portuguese manager’s stay with an imminent contract extension, a strategic move aimed at blocking the Royals’ path and forcing him to address his position.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, the Benfica board have decided to hold an urgent meeting with Mourinho to discuss extending his current contract, which runs until 2026, amid talk of a possible return to the Santiago Bernabeu after his previous 13-year stint at Real Madrid.
Once appointed, Mourinho was a successful political and sporting bet by Rui Costa, and his arrival cemented the president’s position at the club following his election victory. A two-year contract was then signed, which included a clause allowing the coach to leave within 10 days of the last game of the season, i.e. until the end of May, in return for reduced financial compensation worth approximately €3 million.
The clause, seen as a potential loophole in Real Madrid’s ambitions, prompted Benfica’s management to quickly scrap it, extending a contract that would automatically increase the value of the penalty spot and complicate any attempt to land the Special One.
Sources close to the club say the move is intended to “force Real to make a clear decision” regarding their interest in the Portuguese coach, at a time when Mourinho himself remains silent and ambiguous about his future.
Mourinho said during the press conference held on Friday. “No one from Real has contacted me, I can assure you of that. I have one year left on my contract with “Benfica” and that’s it.
Despite his denials, media reports suggest that the Real Madrid board are keeping a close eye on the situation, especially after a remarkable performance by Benfica under Mourinho, which ended with a thrilling 4-2 win over Real Madrid, giving the Portuguese side historic qualification for the Champions League qualifiers.
According to Portuguese newspaper Record, Rui Costa has changed his stance from waiting to act immediately and is expected to table an extension in the coming days in an attempt to close the door on any external talks.
