Perez vows to make a record €150m transfer bid for Real Madrid if he secures re-election
Perez has announced that Real Madrid will make the club’s largest transfer offer to date for an undisclosed midfielder should he be re-elected.
Florentino Perez has vowed to initiate the largest transfer bid in Real Madrid’s history if he is re-elected as president of the club on Sunday.
The 79-year-old stated he would propose an offer of “approximately 150 million euros” (£130 million) for a player whose name remains undisclosed, characterizing the target as a midfielder who can add value in the attacking phase. He excluded any potential transfers for Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane and Michel Olise, as well as Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku, and also rejected the notion that Real Madrid would seek Erling Haaland.
Perez made the commitment as he campaigns for another term leading the Spanish club, where members will cast their votes to determine the presidency. Almost 100,000 members are qualified to take part in the election on Sunday.
Real Madrid is fully owned by its members, who contribute annual fees and elect the president of the club. Perez first assumed the presidency in 2000 and gained recognition for implementing the club’s “Galacticos” strategy, which involved acquiring high-profile stars such as Luis Figo, David Beckham, and Zinedine Zidane.
During his initial tenure, Real Madrid secured 2 La Liga titles and the UEFA Champions League, but Perez stepped down in 2006 due to unsatisfactory results. He returned unopposed in 2009 and has since secured four additional terms without encountering an election contest.
This year’s vote follows Real Madrid’s conclusion of the 2025-26 season, which saw the team finish without a major trophy for the second consecutive year. The club concluded the season 8 points adrift of La Liga champions FC Barcelona.
Earlier in the season, Perez invited his critics to confront him regarding his leadership. Renewable energy entrepreneur Enrique Riquelme has now joined the race, marking the first time in 20 years that Perez will encounter opposition.
During an appearance on the Spanish television program Horizonte, Perez disclosed intentions to seek a significant signing soon after the election.
“I have some news for you,” he informed the Spanish TV show Horizonte.
“On Tuesday or thereabouts, I plan to extend an offer to a prominent Champions League club for an exceptional player.” It would represent the highest transfer fee that Real Madrid has ever disbursed in its history.
When questioned about the player’s identity and the details of the offer, Perez responded:
“Olise is an excellent player, but it’s not about Olise.”
“It’s not Doku, either.”
“We are prepared to present a substantial offer, likely in the vicinity of 150 million.”
“He should be a midfielder capable of advancing the play.” It is not Haaland.
The player does not belong to the Premier League. Our initial step will be to engage in a conversation with the club.
“This signing is intended to create enthusiasm, as that is the essence of it all—creating excitement.”
Perez also informed supporters that his re-election would initiate previously agreed arrangements concerning manager Jose Mourinho, Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries, and Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate, whose contract is anticipated to expire without renewal.
