Real Madrid News
Real Madrid inform Benfica they will activate Mourinho’s €15 million exit clause next week
Jose Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid appears to be entering its final stages, with fresh reports suggesting that the club is now preparing to formally complete the operation.
According to Portuguese outlet Record, Real Madrid have informed Benfica that they will activate Mourinho’s €15 million release clause next week, clearing the final hurdle before the Portuguese coach can officially begin his new chapter at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The move comes after weeks of speculation surrounding Mourinho’s future and represents the strongest indication yet that his appointment is now only a matter of time.
Ready to finalise Mourinho’s appointment
Mourinho has been heavily linked with the Real Madrid job for several weeks, and Florentino Perez’s presidential campaign has already presented the Portuguese manager as the man chosen to lead the club into a new era.
An agreement between Real Madrid and Mourinho has been in place for some time, but contractual obligations with Benfica meant the operation could not be completed immediately.
Notably, last week, Mourinho’s release clause stood at €7 million. However, delays caused by the ongoing presidential election process prevented Real Madrid from activating the clause before its expiry date.
As a result, the amount required to release the coach from his Benfica contract has now increased to €15 million.
Despite the higher fee, Real Madrid have already notified Benfica of their intention to make the payment next week.
Everything is on track
Real Madrid’s presidential elections are scheduled to conclude this weekend, with the final outcome expected within days.
Once that process is complete, the club will have a clear path to formalising Mourinho’s appointment and beginning preparations for next season.
On that note, Mourinho’s return would mark the beginning of a new sporting cycle at the Bernabeu.
The veteran manager remains one of football’s most recognisable figures and has previously enjoyed success in Madrid, including leading the club’s famous record-breaking league-winning side.
While the official announcement has not yet arrived, the latest developments suggest it may only be a matter of days before he is officially unveiled.
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
