The name of José Mourinho has gained significant momentum in recent days as the leading candidate to take over the bench at Real Madrid next season.
With Los Blancos needing to make some necessary changes inside a dressing room that is falling apart, Mourinho is seen as the right fit for the job by Florentino Perez & co.
As such, the possibility of the Portuguese tactician returning to the Santiago Bernabeu for a second stint is growing stronger.
Key dates for Real Madrid and Mourinho
As reported earlier, Mourinho has already held an initial video conference meeting with Perez, during which both parties outlined their respective positions.
Beyond the conditions required by each side, the timeline for any potential agreement is crucial, reports Mundo Deportivo.
If Mourinho is ultimately chosen, Real Madrid will not make any progress until the season has concluded. This means discussions would only advance after 24 May, following the Matchday 38 fixture against Athletic Club.
Set to return to Madrid? (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
However, the most important date comes a week earlier. On 17 May, the Portuguese league season ends for SL Benfica with their away match against Estoril.
This date also marks the beginning of a ten-day reflection period for Mourinho, as stipulated in his contract with the Lisbon club.
During this time, he is permitted to evaluate any offers and accept them if they are satisfactory, subject to a release clause of €3 million.
If this reflection period extends without a decision, the release clause increases to €5 million, a figure that Real Madrid are less willing to pay for a coach.
As the situation develops, Mourinho could be getting closer to a return to Real Madrid, potentially triggering significant change within the club.
