Florentino Pérez has announced that he will reveal Real Madrid‘s “first major signing for the upcoming season” on Thursday, as his presidential campaign approaches its conclusion.
This Sunday, club members in Madrid will participate in their first contested elections in two decades, deciding between the current president Pérez, 79, and challenger Enrique Riquelme, 37.
According to ESPN on Tuesday, Madrid is close to finalizing a deal for defender Ibrahima Konaté, who recently became a free agent after departing from Liverpool.
This week, Riquelme revealed that club legend Raúl González would serve as his sporting director if elected, and emphasized that Manchester City midfielder Rodri is “the type of player who should wear the Real Madrid jersey.”
“This Thursday, I will announce my first big signing for next season,” Pérez stated in an interview with El Espanyol. “Everyone is aware of my vision: to have the best players and continue winning.”
Pérez refrained from confirming rumors, including those from ESPN, about José Mourinho potentially returning as head coach after his previous tenure from 2010 to 2013.
“I will soon announce who will be the new coach of Real Madrid,” Pérez said. “We’ll have more names to share before Sunday, so there is no need for concern.”
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Pérez has previously presided over Madrid from 2000 to 2006 and again since 2009, having been elected without opposition in the last five electoral cycles.
His opponent Riquelme has criticized Pérez’s plan to sell five percent of Madrid—a historically member-owned club—to an external investor.
“Under my leadership, Madrid will always belong to its members,” Pérez asserted on Wednesday. “I intend for members to own not just emotional wealth, but financial wealth as well. Currently, we only possess emotional wealth; I want to solidify that connection, ensuring it transcends generations so that the financial legacy can be passed down to your children or family.”
“We will explore the best way forward, discuss it openly, and present it for a vote in a referendum involving all members.”