Portuguese coach José Mourinho leaves Benfica for Real Madrid in a deal worth 15 million euros. Marco Silva named as his replacement.
9:53 PM
Benfica confirmed Tuesday that José Mourinho has agreed to join Real Madrid, ending his second spell with the Portuguese club. The transfer fee is set at 15 million euros, corresponding to a release clause in Mourinho's contract.
Benfica announced the move in a statement to Portugal's securities regulator, the CMVM. "The Benfica SAD communicated to the CMVM that Real Madrid CF formalized the intention to contract José Mourinho for the value of 15 million euros, with the coach having given his agreement to that contracting," the club said. Benfica closed its statement with "Thank you, José Mourinho."
The announcement came after Florentino Pérez's reelection as Real Madrid president on Sunday. Pérez had previously confirmed during his campaign that Mourinho would become the club's manager if he won the election.
Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, during which he oversaw 178 matches, winning 127, drawing 28, and losing 23. He won three trophies during that period: one La Liga title, one Copa del Rey, and one Spanish Super Cup.
Benfica moved quickly to name a successor. Portuguese coach Marco Silva, most recently at Fulham, was announced as Mourinho's replacement. Silva has signed a contract through the 2027-28 season, with an option to extend through 2028-29. Silva previously worked at clubs including Olympiacos, Hull City, Watford, and Everton. In Portugal, he managed Estoril and Sporting, where he won the Copa de Portugal in 2015.
Benfica finished third in the Portuguese league last season, a result that prompted protests from sections of the club's supporters. The 15 million euros from Mourinho's transfer will provide financial relief to the Lisbon-based club.
Portuguese manager, 63, would return to the club if Pérez wins Sunday's presidential election. Benfica has set a release clause price.
Portuguese manager departs when contract expires this summer; Benfica reportedly close to securing him as José Mourinho heads to Real Madrid.
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