Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has announced the club will make a record-breaking €150 million bid for an unnamed player next week, contingent upon his re-election as president this weekend. The announcement was made in response to challenges from rival candidate Enrique Riquelme, who has claimed he could secure the signings of Erling Haaland and Rodri should he win the election.
Perez revealed Los Blancos are prepared to surpass their current transfer record with the offer for a player from a Champions League club, though he remained tight-lipped on the individual’s identity. He also confirmed that a deal for Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries has already been finalised, adding another piece to the squad.
Speaking to ‘Horizonte’ via Marca, Perez stated, “I have some news to share. On Tuesday, I'm going to make a significant offer to a Champions League club for a top player. It would be the largest transfer fee Real Madrid has ever paid. It would be around €150 million.” He described the target as a young ‘Galactico’ in the mould of past signings like Luis Figo, David Beckham, Ronaldo, and Kaka, promising “the excitement will be crazy.”
The potential signing has sparked speculation, with Perez ruling out several high-profile names, including Olise, Doku, Haaland, and any player currently in the Premier League. He indicated the player is ideally a midfielder or forward, and that negotiations will begin with the player’s current club. The limited description has led to suggestions of players from Paris Saint-Germain, such as Vitinha, Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Joao Neves, as potential targets. A move for Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala or Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez has also been mentioned.
The pursuit of a player from PSG appears most likely, particularly given that Vitinha and Joao Neves share the same agent, Jorge Mendes, as Jose Mourinho, who is expected to become Real Madrid’s next manager if Perez is re-elected. This connection could facilitate negotiations and potentially sway the player’s decision. Currently, Real Madrid’s most expensive signing is Eden Hazard, who arrived from Chelsea for €115 million, followed by Jude Bellingham at €113 million.
Perez’s strategy of keeping the player’s identity secret is seen as a response to Riquelme’s claims regarding Haaland, which have drawn criticism and threats of legal action from Manchester City. By maintaining ambiguity, Perez aims to avoid disrupting current players and provides flexibility should the record bid be unsuccessful. This approach allows Real Madrid to remain proactive in the transfer market while navigating a potentially contentious election period.
