Photo Credit: Getty Images
Florentino Perez has pledged to launch the biggest transfer bid in Real Madrid's history if he secures another term as club president in Sunday's election.
The 79-year-old revealed that he plans to submit an offer worth around €150 million (£130 million) for a high-profile attacking player. However, he dismissed speculation linking the move to several well-known stars, including Bayern Munich's Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Manchester City's Jeremy Doku.
Perez also ruled out a move for Erling Haaland, despite rival presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme claiming earlier this week that the Norwegian striker could be brought to the Spanish capital. Manchester City have since rejected that suggestion, insisting there is no possibility of Haaland leaving and reportedly considering legal action against Riquelme over the claims.
Unlike most elite football clubs, Real Madrid is entirely owned by its members, known as socios, who elect the club president. Nearly 100,000 members are eligible to vote in Sunday's election, each contributing an annual membership fee of roughly £130.
Perez first rose to power in 2000 and quickly became known for implementing the famous Galacticos strategy. During that era, Real Madrid signed some of football's biggest stars, including Luis Figo, David Beckham and Zinedine Zidane. The approach helped the club win two La Liga titles and the Champions League before Perez resigned in 2006 after a period of disappointing results.
He returned to the presidency in 2009 without opposition and has since retained the position through four further uncontested elections. This year marks the first time in two decades that Perez faces a genuine challenge for leadership.
The pressure has increased following a disappointing campaign in which Real Madrid finished eight points behind league champions Barcelona and ended a second consecutive season without a major trophy.
As criticism of his leadership grew, Perez publicly challenged dissatisfied members to contest the presidency. Renewable energy businessman Enrique Riquelme accepted that challenge, ensuring a competitive election race.
Speaking on Spanish television programme Horizonte, Perez teased supporters with plans for a blockbuster signing should he remain in office.
"I have some news for you," he said. "Around Tuesday, I will make an offer to a major Champions League club for a great player. It would be the highest transfer fee Real Madrid has ever paid."
Perez described the target as a forward-thinking midfielder rather than a traditional striker and stressed that the player is not currently playing in the Premier League. He added that the transfer would be designed to reignite excitement among supporters.
The veteran president also reminded voters that his re-election would activate agreements already in place involving manager José Mourinho, Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries and Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konaté, whose contract is reportedly not set to be renewed.
