Florentino Pérez has committed to pursuing a “Galáctico” player this summer with a bid of $174 million (€150 million) as he seeks to secure victory in the presidential elections for Real Madrid on Sunday.
At 79 years old, Pérez has already outlined plans to appoint José Mourinho as head coach and sign defender Ibrahima Konaté on a free transfer. Additionally, he confirmed on Thursday the acquisition of wing-back Internazionale‘s Denzel Dumfries.
During a television interview with Cuatro’s “Horizonte,” Pérez revealed that he plans to make a substantial bid next week, which, if successful, will set a new transfer record for Madrid.
“On Tuesday, I will present an offer to a significant Champions League club for a remarkable player,” Pérez stated. “This will be the highest amount Real Madrid has ever spent on a player, at least €150 million.”
Pérez, who has served as Madrid’s president for 23 of the last 26 years, faces competition from 37-year-old businessman Enrique Riquelme in the upcoming members’ vote.
Riquelme has promised to secure Manchester City stars Erling Haaland and Rodri if elected, even pledging to cover the club’s membership fees for a year if he fails to sign them.
Although Pérez did not reveal the identity of the player he intends to target, he clarified, “It’s not [Michael] Olise; he’s a great player, but it’s not him. It’s not [Jeremy] Doku, nor Haaland, or [Harry] Kane. The player operates in midfield or further forward and is not in the Premier League. He is a true Galáctico, but first we need to speak with his club.”
Currently, Madrid’s highest transfer record stands at $119.6 million (€103 million) plus 30% in add-ons for Jude Bellingham, who was signed from Borussia Dortmund in 2023, followed by the $116 million (€100 million) plus variables for Eden Hazard in 2019.