Real Madrid will pay €15 million (£12.9 million) to Benfica to appoint Jose Mourinho for a second time as head coach. Mourinho's return to the Santiago Bernabeu moved a step closer after Florentino Perez was re-elected as the club's president over the weekend.
Official Announcement Imminent
An official announcement is expected imminently after Los Blancos issued a statement confirming Alvaro Arbeloa's departure as head coach on Tuesday evening. The statement read: "Real Madrid CF and Alvaro Arbeloa have reached an agreement to end his time as first team coach. Real Madrid is deeply grateful to Alvaro Arbeloa, who throughout his time at the club, from his time in our youth academy, has consistently demonstrated loyalty, commitment, and professionalism. He exemplifies the values of our club. Real Madrid, which will always be his home, wishes Alvaro Arbeloa and his entire family the best of luck in this new stage of their lives."
Benfica Confirms Marco Silva Agreement
With Mourinho heading back to the Spanish capital for a second spell, his successor at Benfica, as expected, will be Marco Silva. The Portuguese club have struck an agreement with the ex-Fulham boss. In a farewell message to Mourinho on social media, Benfica confirmed how much they will receive from Real Madrid and that Silva has agreed a three-year deal. A statement read: "Benfica SAD has informed the CMVM that Real Madrid CF has formally expressed its intention to hire Jose Mourinho for the amount of 15 million euros, with the coach having given his agreement. Thank you, Jose Mourinho. An agreement with Marco Silva Sport Lisboa e Benfica, SAD announces, in a statement to the CMVM, that it has reached an agreement with Marco Silva for the signing of an employment contract valid for two seasons, extendable until 2028/29."
Marco Silva's Fulham exit was announced last week, and he now takes over at Benfica, signing a contract that runs until at least 2027, with an option for an additional year.
