Pending presidential elections at Real Madrid, initiated by current president Florentino Pérez, are hindering the potential reappointment of José Mourinho as manager, with the club likely facing increased costs to bring him back.
The situation surrounding Mourinho’s return to the Santiago Bernabéu is becoming increasingly complicated. Although ESPN sources reported on May 18 that a two-year deal had been reached with the club, where Mourinho previously won three major trophies in three years—including the LaLiga title in 2011-12—there has been no official confirmation of his appointment as of yet.
Sources indicate that Pérez’s declaration of new elections on June 7 has stalled the hiring process for Mourinho. This postponement could ultimately lead to Los Blancos having to pay significantly more than the initially agreed sum to secure the Benfica coach’s services.
Originally, there was an arrangement for Madrid to compensate Benfica with €7 million for Mourinho’s return; however, this figure is valid only for 10 business days after the end of the Portuguese Primeira Liga season, a deadline that closes this Friday. After that, Benfica’s fee for releasing their coach will increase to €15 million.
While it’s still possible for a negotiation to alter the amount, indications are that the final figure will exceed €7 million, even if a new agreement is reached. This comes after Madrid dismissed Xabi Alonso as head coach in January, less than a year into his three-year contract, appointing Álvaro Arbeloa as his successor.
Who is challenging Pérez?
Florentino Pérez’s opponent in the June 7 election is Enrique Riquelme, who at 37 years old recently stated in an interview that he has “never been a fan of Mourinho” and is focused on a “long-term project” for the club. Sources have informed ESPN that a victory for Riquelme could deter Mourinho from returning to Madrid.
“If I become president, I will assess [the possibility of Mourinho’s return],” Riquelme remarked. “However, my intention is to establish a long-term vision.
“Rehiring Xabi Alonso was the right move, and letting him go was a mistake. A project cannot be built in just three months; he wasn’t given sufficient time or the right conditions to make significant decisions.”
Alonso has chosen to join Chelsea, but Riquelme has not yet disclosed his preferred candidate to fill the position left by Arbeloa at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season after another trophy-less campaign.
“I admire [former Liverpool manager Jürgen] Klopp, but there are also other coaches I respect,” Riquelme said. “Madrid cannot continue experimenting with coaches. Arbeloa might not have been the optimal choice for that moment.”
Riquelme, who is the founder and CEO of a renewable energy firm, stated that he would bring in a new sporting director if elected and teased that he has someone in mind to announce shortly.
In an interview with COPE radio on Tuesday, Riquelme clarified that Mourinho isn’t his chosen candidate for coach, revealing he has already reached an agreement with a different manager. “We confirmed the new coach before my candidacy announcement,” he mentioned. “He is a manager who is not currently available.”
Riquelme further expressed his thoughts on Pérez potentially hiring Mourinho without regard to the election outcome: “I would consider that inappropriate,” he said. “It would be wrong for someone to finalize a player’s signing during an election campaign, coercing the club…”
ESPN sources reveal that Mourinho values feeling wanted at a club and would be hesitant to work with a board that has expressed he is not their first choice. At 63, Mourinho is only willing to travel to Spain once a new Real Madrid board is established.
Due to this administrative shakeup, the club is expected to refrain from officially announcing its new coach until after the June 7 elections.
What is Benfica’s stance?
Mourinho remains under contract at Benfica for another year, but the club is already considering the future without him as their coach. Last Monday, Benfica convened a general assembly to strategize for the 2026-27 season in his absence.
Consequently, Benfica is in a precarious position—both having and not having a coach—while they search for a suitable replacement. Reports suggest that Fulham manager Marco Silva is the leading candidate for the role. Benfica aims to have a new coach in place before they kick off preseason training on June 25.
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What if Mourinho doesn’t join Real Madrid?
Despite having an agreement with Pérez to take the helm at Real Madrid, Mourinho’s future could be uncertain if Riquelme wins the election. Coupled with Benfica’s preparations for life without him, the coach may find himself without a club.
Sources have indicated that Mourinho has received numerous inquiries but remains cautious in his next steps, with a preference for a position in Europe.
The UEFA Champions League winner has recently garnered several offers from clubs in the Saudi Pro League. Yet, he is not inclined to accept these lucrative propositions, as sources suggest he prioritizes staying in Europe where he enjoys his vibrant social life and daily routine—elements he believes would not be achievable in the Gulf states.
This article was originally published by ESPN Brasil in Portuguese and has been translated.