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The Real Madrid presidential race took another dramatic turn on Thursday, as Florentino Pérez went on record stating he is ready to execute the biggest transfer in the club's history, spending $174 million (€150 million) on the next "Galáctico" of his presidential era.
A day after rival presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme's claim that Erling Haaland was set to join Real Madrid blew up in his face, Pérez seized the moment to make a promise of his own. During an appearance on Spanish television program Horizonte, Pérez delivered a bold announcement.
"On Tuesday," Pérez began. "I am going to submit an offer to a major Champions League club for an outstanding player that would represent the highest transfer fee Real Madrid have ever paid in their entire history.
"Yes, at least €150 million."
That figure would comfortably eclipse the club's two costliest signings in Eden Hazard and Jude Bellingham, but who exactly does Pérez plan to spend so lavishly on?
Real Madrid's Potential Targets
The moment Pérez made his announcement, speculation immediately turned to identifying which player could be worthy of becoming Real Madrid's record signing. The presidential frontrunner declined to name his target, though he did drop several clues.
Michael Olise and Jérémy Doku were promptly ruled out by Pérez, who indicated the player in question would be "a midfielder or a forward." He also clarified that Haaland was not the target, before taking another swipe at Riquelme.
"It's not Haaland," Pérez said. "And furthermore, the first step would be to speak with the club. We wouldn't do what this man [Riquelme] did — approaching Haaland first, only for Haaland's father and agent to come out and call it a lie, and Manchester City to call it a lie. How can you announce a name when you haven't spoken to anyone?"
Attention swiftly returned to identifying Pérez's ambitious target. He then dropped the most significant clue yet, stating that the player "does not play in the Premier League."
Real Madrid fans quickly speculated that Paris Saint-Germain midfield duo João Neves and Vitinha fit the profile described by Pérez. Bolstering the midfield with elite quality is a top priority for Los Blancos, and the two Portugal internationals would certainly qualify.
More clarity is expected next Tuesday, when Pérez indicated Real Madrid's record-breaking bid would be formally submitted. In the meantime, he was happy to confirm three other incoming moves.
Florentino Perez Confirms Real Madrid's First Summer Moves
What Pérez had no hesitation in announcing with his trademark confidence was the return of Jose Mourinho for a second spell as Real Madrid head coach. On the same day Benfica confirmed Los Blancos would activate The Special One's $17.4 million (€15 million) release clause, Pérez expressed his enthusiasm about the manager's homecoming.
"He's a manager we know well, and he instilled in us an incredible competitive spirit," Pérez said. "After he departed, we went on to win six Champions Leagues — a product of the winning mentality he gave us. We believe he can once again be that positive driving force. He's very eager, and so are we."
Pérez went on to confirm Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries as Real Madrid's first two defensive additions ahead of the 2026–27 season, which is precisely why his planned record signing will not be a defender.
With a new manager secured and two new defenders reportedly already lined up, Pérez is now focused on landing a new Galáctico of "Cristiano Ronaldo's dimension — but not Ronaldo."
Despite withholding the identity of the player he intends to make Real Madrid's most expensive signing in history, Pérez made a point of repeating what has become something of a personal motto in recent years.
"As long as I remain Real Madrid's president, the best players in the world will play here."