Benfica has confirmed that Real Madrid will need to pay €15 million to sign José Mourinho as coach if Florentino Pérez wins the club's presidential election. The Portuguese club made the announcement after Pérez's campaign named Mourinho as his preferred choice for the upcoming season, with Madrid seeking to bounce back from two consecutive trophyless campaigns.

The 63-year-old Mourinho, who previously managed Madrid from 2010-2013, remains under contract with Benfica until June 2027. Benfica's statement to Portugal's financial regulator specifies this termination clause would apply should Pérez defeat businessman Enrique Riquelme in Sunday's election, marking the first member vote between two candidates since 2006.

Riquelme has not revealed his own coaching preference but has promised to sign Manchester City stars Erling Haaland and Rodri while naming club legend Raúl González as director of football. Pérez's clear intention to bring Mourinho back for a second spell at the Bernabéu sets up a contrasting vision for Madrid's future direction.