Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez made a series of eye-catching claims during an appearance on Horizonte, the Cuatro program hosted by Iker Jiménez, discussing the club’s transfer plans, José Mourinho’s expected return, the presidential election campaign, and his legacy after more than two decades in charge.
Perhaps the most explosive revelation came when Pérez hinted at a major transfer operation that he claims will eclipse every previous signing in club history.
“I’m going to make an offer to a Champions
League club soon, on Tuesday, which will be the biggest payment Real Madrid has ever made for a player, at least 150 million. It’s not Olise, he’s a great player but it’s not him; it’s not Doku, it’s not Haaland, it’s not Kane… And it’s not from the Premier League. It’s a total Galáctico.”
The comments immediately sparked speculation regarding the identity of the player. Recent reports have linked Real Madrid with Paris Saint-Germain midfielders Vitinha and João Neves, while AS has also reported interest in Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise despite Pérez’s public denial.
Pérez also suggested that several reinforcements could arrive this summer.
“Shall I give you another name? We’ve talked about Mourinho and Konaté… right? Well, now I’m going to talk about Dumfries, who is a very good right-back; I’ll tell you about those three signings now, but we’re going to have more, in many other places.”
Mourinho to return
The Real Madrid president once again spoke positively about José Mourinho.
“He’s coming to Madrid next season. I’m excited about it. We know him, and he taught us how to compete.”
Pérez credited Mourinho with laying the foundations for one of the most successful periods in club history.
“He won the record-breaking La Liga title, and after he left, we won six European Cups, a result of that competitiveness. We think he can be that spark again.”
The president also praised Mourinho’s management qualities.
“The manager is in charge; it’s not easy managing 25 players, all of them very good.”
Defending his legacy
Throughout the interview, Pérez repeatedly pointed to the transformation of Real Madrid under his leadership.
“According to Forbes, the club is worth 10 billion. When I came in, we didn’t even have enough to pay salaries. I had to provide a guarantee. The players weren’t getting paid.”
The president argued that Real Madrid has become the most valuable club in world sport during his tenure.
“When I saw that there was a possibility that the club was going down the wrong path, I took the step in 2000. We created a modern Madrid and 26 years later we are the most valuable club, in football and in sport.”
He also highlighted the club’s trophy haul during his presidency.
“The demands have always been high. It’s the club with the highest revenue, the most titles… I’m used to it now. Everyone knows you don’t always win, but I’ve won 66 titles.”
Election campaign and Haaland comments
Pérez addressed the increasingly heated presidential race and rejected Enrique Riquelme’s recent claims regarding Erling Haaland.
“Everyone has denied Haaland, the father, the agent, the club… It’s a bluff.”
The president argued that he called elections in order to confront what he sees as destabilizing forces around the club.
“I had noticed a campaign to destabilize Real Madrid. We can’t live like this. I’m calling elections and anyone who wants to can run.”
While acknowledging criticism as part of the job, Pérez suggested some attacks have become personal.
“The criticism doesn’t hurt me. What does hurt me is that the children of those people, like Riquelme’s father, are coming now.”
Ownership model
Pérez also dismissed suggestions that he intends to move Real Madrid away from its member-owned structure.
“If the club was worthless when I arrived and I had to invest money, there couldn’t be a better time to keep it.”
The president insisted that protecting member ownership remains one of his central objectives.
“I want the members to be the owners, not just emotionally, but also in terms of assets. Otherwise, someone else might come in, ruin it, and end up with it for nothing.”
“My history speaks for itself. If I had wanted to keep it, I would have already done so.”
