That Jose Mourinho will be the next coach of Real Madrid is already unofficial news. It only remains for the coach to say a proper goodbye to Benfica (this morning he has already spent two hours at the training ground with Rui Costa, president), sign his new contract, and for the entity presided over by Florentino Pérez to make it official. These steps will be different from those of other coaches, as the electoral process called the previous week by the white president himself is involved.
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The key is currently held by member 43858 of the entity, with more than 20 years of seniority, who is still pondering whether to take the step or not. Enrique Riquelme must gather and present the guarantees (187 million) and be clear about with what weapons (sports, social, economic…) he will try to face Florentino Pérez, who has never had rivals since he has been president and only lost an election to Lorenzo Sanz in 1995. There are currently contradictory reports about his intentions to run. His group has not yet confirmed a position to La Vanguardia.
His decision affects the green light for Mourinho. If he does not run, on May 24 (this Saturday) Florentino Pérez will be the new president of the entity for four more years, so the announcement and presentation could already be made next week if the club so decides. If, on the contrary, Riquelme runs, the election date (maximum 15 days, June 7) would delay the announcement until the confirmation of Florentino Pérez’s victory.
In Real Madrid’s statutes, current directors should not leave their positions, even if the candidacy presentation process has already started. In fact, they can continue making decisions, but for ethical reasons, they understand it would not be the most decorous.
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Benfica, through its representative Jorge Mendes, presented a renewal proposal to Mourinho. In it, the contract is extended from 2027 to 2028 with an option to reach 2029 if certain requirements are met, according to ‘A Bola’. And a salary of about five million euros gross per year. Xabi Alonso’s was around 15 million gross, so it is inferred that the Portuguese will also come out ahead financially, at least double.
Real Madrid must pay between three and seven million (depending on when it is done) so that the coach pays the compensation and can break the link.
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