Real Madrid News
Mourinho sets deadline to decide future amid Real Madrid return talks
Over the past couple of days, rumours surrounding Jose Mourinho returning to Real Madrid have been gaining weight.
The Portuguese tactician, currently in charge at SL Benfica, has reportedly emerged as club president Florentino Perez’s favourite candidate to replace Alvaro Arbeloa.
There have been direct talks between Perez and Mourinho’s agent, Jorge Mendes, about a possible return to the club.
Mourinho wants future decided soon
Now, according to AS, Mourinho wants his future resolved no later than 24 May. The Portuguese coach is currently considering three possible scenarios.
One option is continuity, with the club offering a contract extension that would include a high release clause, tying both parties together long term.
He has already fulfilled his part with Benfica by submitting a dossier outlining his requirements to continue for the 2026/27 season, the final year of his current contract. The next move now rests with Rui Costa, Benfica’s president and the man responsible for appointing him.
The second scenario is one where Benfica decide to make an immediate change on the bench, a scenario not entirely ruled out in Portugal.
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.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Barcelona best placed to sign Man United gem as total cost could exceed €10-15 million
Things seem to be heating up with regard to the future of wantaway Manchester United prodigy JJ Gabriel.
Real Madrid are one of the clubs pursuing the teenage wonderkid, who has made it clear that he does not wish to continue with the Premier League club.
Apart from Los Blancos, other top European clubs like FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain also remain keen on the English starlet.
Real Madrid, Barcelona best placed
In a major development, Sky Germany now reports that Real Madrid and Barcelona have emerged as the clubs best positioned to sign Gabriel.
The teenage attacking midfielder is understood to be giving preference to a move to Spain despite Bayern Munich intensifying their pursuit.
Real Madrid are understood to be in active negotiations with Gabriel and his camp, while his representatives continue to talk with multiple other clubs before a final decision is made.
But his preference to move to Spain gives Los Blancos an advantage, along with Barcelona.
However, there could be some issues in the deal going through smoothly because of the financial aspects of the operation.
€10-15 million total package
According to the German outlet, the total package to sign Gabriel, including transfer fees, wages, and bonus payments, among others, could end up costing in excess of €10-15 million.
Previous reports suggested that Manchester United would seek a training compensation of €300,000, while the player’s camp was said to be seeking a seven-figure salary.
But, if the aforementioned report is to be believed, the total cost of the operation seems to be coming out much higher at around €10-15 million.
Such a figure for a player who has just turned 16 a week ago could be seen as excessive despite the potential and talent he possesses.
It will be interesting to see how things evolve in this transfer saga as Gabriel remains determined to leave Manchester United and is angling a move to Spain, putting Real Madrid and Barcelona in the driving seat.
