Real Madrid’s presidential race intensified on Wednesday as challenger Enrique Riquelme unveiled ambitious transfer plans involving Manchester City stars Erling Haaland and Rodri, while incumbent president Florentino Pérez announced José Mourinho as his preferred managerial choice.
Club members are expected to decide between renewable energy businessman Riquelme, 37, and long-serving president Pérez, 79, in Sunday’s election.
The upcoming vote marks Real Madrid’s first contested presidential election since 2006 and follows back-to-back seasons in which the Spanish giants failed to secure a major trophy.
Speaking during an appearance on Antena 3’s popular television programme “El Hormiguero,” Riquelme reiterated his confidence in landing Haaland and Rodri if elected.
The candidate, who had earlier named club legends Raul Gonzalez and Fernando Hierro as his proposed sporting director and academy director respectively, even pledged to cover supporters’ membership fees should he fail to deliver on the signings.
“If I break my promises regarding either of these players, I’ve signed a guarantee where I’d pay 100% of membership costs for next season,” Riquelme said. “Haaland has a release clause, and he wants to come to Madrid.”
However, those claims were swiftly dismissed by the Norwegian striker’s camp. In a joint statement, Haaland’s father, Alfie Haaland, and agent Rafaela Pimenta responded: “All very entertaining but not true. We wish all the best for both candidates in the Madrid elections”.
Haaland remains tied to Manchester City until 2034 after signing a lucrative extension in January 2025. Reports indicated the deal removed previous buyout clauses that existed when he joined from Borussia Dortmund in 2022.
Riquelme also maintained his interest in Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, whose contract with Manchester City expires next year.
“He’s a great player, in a position where Madrid need to strengthen,” he added on Wednesday. “We’ve spoken to his agent, we have to respect his club, but if I’m president he’ll play for Madrid. I’ll do everything possible.”
Meanwhile, Pérez’s campaign made headlines with the announcement that Mourinho would return to the Santiago Bernabéu should the veteran administrator retain office.
A short campaign video posted on social media featured Mourinho in a Real Madrid shirt simply responding, “yes.”
Pérez also revealed in an interview with Diario AS that French defender Ibrahima Konaté is expected to join the club.
“One of the world’s best defenders, Konaté, will play for Real Madrid next season,” Pérez told AS. “And he won’t be the only great defender who will arrive if I’m still in charge.”
Reports on Tuesday suggested Madrid were already nearing an agreement with Konaté following his departure from Liverpool as a free agent.
