Mourinho to Real Madrid: Benfica demands €15 million to release the Special One

Real Madrid will pay €15 million to Benfica to recruit José Mourinho, the Lisbon club announced Tuesday evening, simultaneously confirming the departure of the Portuguese coach and the signing of his successor, Marco Silva, for two years.

Benfica was explicit in its statement: “Real Madrid has formalized its intention to recruit José Mourinho for a sum of €15 million, with the coach having given his agreement. Thank you, José Mourinho.” This amount corresponds to the buyout of the final year of contract that still bound the Special One to the Portuguese capital club.

This announcement came during a particularly busy evening for Real Madrid. The merengue club also officially confirmed the departure of Alvaro Arbeloa, just five months after his appointment to succeed Xabi Alonso. “Real Madrid is deeply grateful to Alvaro Arbeloa who, throughout his time at the club, since his early days in our academy, has always demonstrated loyalty, commitment and professionalism. He embodies the values of our club. Real Madrid, which will always remain his home, wishes Alvaro Arbeloa and his entire family good luck in this new chapter of their lives,” the club said in a statement.

The Madrid day had also been marked by the revelation of a €150 million offer made by Real Madrid for Julian Alvarez, to which Atletico Madrid responded with a categorical refusal.

For Mourinho, this return to Real Madrid — where he had already served between 2010 and 2013 — represents a new chapter after a season at Benfica. For the Lisbon club, the transition is already assured: Marco Silva, former Fulham manager among other roles, takes over with a two-year contract.