Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has vowed to launch a club-record transfer bid for a “great player” if he wins re-election in Sunday’s presidential vote, promising a blockbuster signing worth around €150 million.
Speaking ahead of the election, Perez revealed that the target is an attack-minded midfielder but ruled out moves for Bayern Munich duo Harry Kane and Michael Olise, as well as Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku.
“I have some news for you,” Perez told Spanish television programme Horizonte. “On Tuesday or so, I’m going to make an offer to a major Champions League club for a great player. It would be the largest transfer fee Real Madrid has ever paid in its history.”
Mystery Star Not From Premier League
While refusing to disclose the player’s identity, Perez offered several clues about the intended signing.
“Olise is a great player, but it’s not Olise. It’s not Doku either,” he said.
“We’re going to make a significant offer, at least around €150 million. He needs to be a player from midfield who can go forward. And it’s not Haaland.
“The player is not from the Premier League. The first thing we’ll do is speak with the club.”
Perez also dismissed speculation linking Real Madrid with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, despite rival presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme claiming earlier this week that he would bring the Norwegian star to the Santiago Bernabéu.
Bid to Restore Excitement
According to Perez, the proposed signing is designed to reignite enthusiasm among supporters after a disappointing season.
“It’s a signing meant to generate excitement because that’s what it’s all about — generating excitement,” he said.
The Real Madrid chief believes a marquee addition could help restore confidence among fans and signal a fresh chapter for the Spanish giants.
Crucial Election for Perez
Real Madrid, which is wholly owned by its members, will elect its president on Sunday, with nearly 100,000 socios eligible to cast their votes. Each member pays an annual fee of approximately £130 and has a direct say in the club’s leadership.
Perez first assumed office in 2000 and became synonymous with the club’s celebrated “Galacticos” era, overseeing the arrivals of global stars such as Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane and David Beckham. That strategy delivered two La Liga titles and a UEFA Champions League trophy before his resignation in 2006.
He returned unopposed in 2009 and has since won four additional terms, dominating the club’s political landscape for nearly two decades.
Pressure Mounts After Trophyless Seasons
However, Real Madrid concluded the 2025/26 campaign without a major trophy for the second consecutive year, finishing eight points behind La Liga champions Barcelona.
The underwhelming season has increased scrutiny on Perez, who is facing a contested presidential election for the first time in 20 years.
Perez further claimed that his re-election would trigger previously agreed deals involving manager Jose Mourinho, Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries and Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate, whose contract is reportedly nearing its expiration.
Promise of a New Galactico
With election day fast approaching, Perez has sought to rally supporters with the prospect of a new Galactico and a record-breaking transfer that could redefine Real Madrid’s future.
If elected, the veteran president’s first major move could be one of the most expensive signings in world football history, underlining his determination to restore the club to the summit of European football.
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