Perez Teases €150m "Galactico" Signing as Real Madrid Chief Dismisses Riquelme's Haaland Nonsense

Florentino Perez has wasted no time in hitting back at his election rival, confirming that Real Madrid will launch a record-breaking transfer bid next week whilst simultaneously demolishing Enrique Riquelme's increasingly desperate campaign tactics.

With voting set for Sunday and 95,000 club members preparing to cast their ballots, Riquelme attempted a Hail Mary on Wednesday evening by parading an Erling Haaland shirt on Spanish television programme El Hormiguero. The challenger promised he would personally guarantee to cover membership fees if he failed to deliver either Haaland or Rodri as signings.

It was a gamble that spectacularly backfired. Haaland's father, his agent, and Manchester City all swiftly issued denials, with the club threatening legal action against Riquelme for his fabrications.

Speaking to Horizonte on Thursday, Perez seized the moment to outline his own transfer strategy—and it's considerably more credible. Real Madrid have already wrapped up Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan for £20m, triggering the right-back's release clause. Ibrahima Konate will arrive on a free transfer, whilst Jose Mourinho has been secured as the club's next manager.

But the real headline is what comes next. Perez revealed that Madrid will table a bid "at least €150m" to a Champions League club on Tuesday—a figure that will shatter the club's all-time transfer record. The president then proceeded to play coy about the identity of his target, ruling out a succession of high-profile names in the process.

"It's not Doku, it's not Haaland, it's not Kane, it's not Olise," Perez said, before adding that the mystery man is young, plays either midfield or attack, and hails from outside the Premier League. "He is a total Galactic," the president declared.

The dig at Riquelme was unmistakable. "We will talk to the club first," Perez emphasized. "We will not do what this man has done. Haaland deal? It was denied by everyone involved. It's a bluff."

Perez also spoke glowingly of Mourinho's imminent arrival, suggesting the Portuguese coach's proven pedigree at the Bernabéu will restore the winning mentality that delivered six Champions League titles during his previous tenure. "He is the man who made us competitive again," Perez reflected. "Now we want him to bring that same competitive spirit back."