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Florentino Pérez has revealed he will unveil Real Madrid's "first major signing for next season" on Thursday, while affirming his commitment to continuing to attract the world's finest players to the club during his presidency.
Pérez is currently in full campaign mode as Real Madrid's presidential elections approach on Sunday, June 7. The 79-year-old incumbent—who has gone unchallenged in the previous four election cycles—called for the vote ahead of schedule during an extraordinary press conference last month.
Pérez, widely regarded as the frontrunner to retain his position, faces a challenge from 37-year-old renewable energy entrepreneur Enrique Riquelme.
Both candidates have been making their cases for the top role in recent days, with potential transfer activity serving as a central talking point.
Transfers Talk High on Campaign Agenda
🚨 Florentino Perez's new banner ahead of the elections.
— @elchiringuitotv pic.twitter.com/P5jvx66k6u
Riquelme claims to have already secured deals for two unnamed players—one of whom is reportedly a Spain international.
The CEO of Cox Energy has spoken enthusiastically about Manchester City midfielder Rodri in recent days, fueling speculation that he is one of the undisclosed targets, while some reports have suggested that Erling Haaland is another of Riquelme's highly ambitious pursuits.
Pérez has been more guarded on the transfer front so far, but has leaned heavily on his track record of delivering marquee signings to the club.
A recent campaign banner displayed across Madrid city center highlights the headline transfers of Pérez's presidency, spanning from Luís Figo to Kylian Mbappé, accompanied by the phrase "to be continued".
Pérez Teases 'Major Signing'
In an interview with El Español, Pérez disclosed that he intends to name a player this week who will join the club should he be re-elected.
"Everyone knows that if I remain president of Real Madrid, the best players in the world will play here," he was quoted as saying.
When pressed on "major signings", Pérez responded: "Of course. This Thursday, I will announce Real Madrid's first major signing for next season. Everyone knows what my sporting project is: to have the best players and keep winning.
"We'll have names before Sunday, don't worry. People don't doubt it, people know me. I've always generated excitement during my 23 years as president. Those who know me know that the best players will be at Real Madrid and that we'll win a Champions League title."
He also confirmed that he will announce Real Madrid's new head coach—widely expected to be José Mourinho—"in the near future".
Who Will Be Pérez's First Transfer?
Two players appear most likely to be the "major signing" Pérez has been hinting at.
On Tuesday, reports emerged that 27-year-old French center back Ibrahima Konaté had reached a "verbal agreement" with Real Madrid over a free transfer following the expiration of his Liverpool contract. Meanwhile, Inter Milan's Denzel Dumfries is said to be nearing a €20 million ($23 million) move.
However, questions remain over whether either player would constitute a sufficiently high-profile announcement to justify the buildup, especially given Pérez's history of blockbuster attacking signings.
In the banner highlighting some of Pérez's most celebrated deals, only one defender—Dani Carvajal—features among the 19 players pictured. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also appears, while the remainder are exclusively midfielders and forwards.
Pérez's preference for attacking talent and bold statements means it cannot be ruled out that he has another, as yet unannounced, name ready to reveal on Thursday.