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The details of Jose Mourinho's two-year contract at Benfica have been revealed, with a clause coming to light that could see the Portuguese coach leave his new position at the end of the current season.
Mourinho, 62, was a free agent after being sacked by Fenerbahce last month following their failure to qualify for the Champions League before being confirmed Benfica boss on Thursday afternoon.
Benfica confirmed the appointment in a statement to the country's Securities Market Commission, revealing they had reached an agreement with Mourinho to sign 'a sports employment contract to be valid until the end of the 2026-27 sports season'.
However, an exit clause in the former Chelsea manager's contract suggests that he may not see the start of next season.
A report by Portuguese media outlet Record has disclosed that 'either party can terminate the contract' during the initial 10-day period after the end of the current season.
If the renewed partnership does not go to plan and they decide to part ways during that period, Benfica would pay 'significantly lower costs' when terminating Mourinho's deal at the club.
Jose Mourinho was unveiled as the new Benfica manager on Thursday afternoon
Mourinho, 62, has penned a two-year deal but an exit clause in his contract suggests he could leave after just one season
The compensation fee to dismiss Mourinho would be markedly lower in comparison to if they waited until after the conclusion of the season.
The clause also encompasses the scenario in which Mourinho opts to resign from his position. If that's the direction he takes, it is believed that he would have to pay the 'equivalent amount' to the club.
It is an interesting development, given that Benfica only unveiled their new boss on Thursday. During his first press conference, Mourinho immediately reflected on his most recent job and outlined his expectations for Benfica.
He said: 'My career has been rich, I've coached in different countries, I made the wrong choice, but I have no regrets. But I'm aware of what we did well or poorly. I made a mistake going to Fenerbahce, but I gave everything until the last day. Coaching Benfica is returning to my level.'
He also struck a bullish tone about what Benfica can achieve under his leadership, telling reporters that 'Promises are worth what they're worth.'
'At the time, at FC Porto, I promised and could have broken them,' he continued. 'I truly believe Benfica has everything it takes to win the championship. They've lost two points, and we'll certainly lose more, hopefully not many, but we're starting from scratch.
'Benfica has the potential in the dressing room to be champions, but I'm not hiding that. Not a promise, but the conviction that we can and should make it happen. The context for me is coaching one of the biggest clubs in the world.'
It marks a high-profile return for Mourinho, who took charge of Benfica for 10 matches in 2000 before leaving amid boardroom changes and joining Uniao de Leiria.
He went on to win the Champions League with Porto, two Premier League titles in his first stint at Chelsea and further trophies with Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Roma before his most recent spell at Fenerbahce.
Mourinho's return to Benfica has added intrigue given the Portuguese side face Chelsea in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge later this month.
His appointment comes at a time when Benfica are looking to recover from a shock Champions League defeat by Qarabag and stabilise under new leadership.
On Mourinho's appointment, Rui Costa, the club president, said: 'Mourinho needs no introduction. He returns to a club he knows well; he's one of the most highly regarded coaches in the world.
'We wanted a coach with a winning record, and it would be difficult to find a more extensive record than Jose Mourinho's.
'May he be as happy here as he has been in all the others. It's an honor, a privilege, and a source of pride to have him as Benfica's coach.'
Benfica currently sit sixth in the Portuguese top flight, five points off leaders Porto, and host Vila das Aves this weekend with Mourinho set to take charge.
