Benfica says Real Madrid must pay 15 million euros for Mourinho

Portuguese club Benfica confirmed on Thursday that Real Madrid needs to pay 15 million euros to take their coach Jose Mourinho away.

Real Madrid's president Florentino Perez wants to bring back Mourinho to the Bernabeu, 13 years after he left the club in 2013. He is looking for re-election this weekend.

Benfica said in a statement that Perez told them he has a "firm intention to recruit" Mourinho. The statement also mentioned that the release clause for the Portuguese coach is set at 15 million euros, which is about $17.4 million.

Earlier reports had suggested that it might cost the Spanish club only three million euros to get Mourinho.

Mourinho has already appeared in a video on Perez’s Instagram, saying he is ready to return to the club he first joined in 2010. During his time there, he won one La Liga title, a Copa del Rey, and a Spanish Super Cup.

Hiring the controversial Mourinho would be a risk for Perez after Real Madrid ended the last two seasons without a major trophy. But Perez believes Mourinho can bring discipline to a divided team where player power has reportedly grown too strong.

Mourinho joined Benfica in September 2025 and helped them to an unbeaten league season, although they finished third overall. He still has one year left on his contract.