Perez, Riquelme Make Big Promises Ahead Of Real Madrid Presidential Election

Real Madrid’s presidential race has taken centre stage ahead of Saturday’s election, with incumbent president Florentino Perez and challenger Enrique Riquelme unveiling ambitious plans for the club’s future.

Riquelme, speaking on Spanish television programme El Hormiguero on Wednesday night, claimed he already has agreements in place to bring Manchester City stars Erling Haaland and Rodri to the Santiago Bernabeu if he wins the election.

The 37-year-old businessman went as far as offering a financial guarantee to supporters should he fail to deliver on his promises.

“What I commit to is that, regarding the promises I have made about the two players. If I am president of Real Madrid, if I fail to keep any of my promises, I have signed a notarized guarantee in which I commit to paying 100% of the membership fees of all 100,000 Real Madrid members next season,” Riquelme said.

He added: “Haaland has a clause in his contract and wants to play for Real Madrid.”

Perez, however, has responded with promises of his own as he seeks another term at the helm of the Spanish giants.

Addressing reporters on Wednesday, the veteran club chief insisted that Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham would remain at Real Madrid despite continued transfer speculation.

“Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Vini Jr. will stay at Real Madrid,” Perez said.

“They are players that every big club in the world would want.”

The election campaign has also brought clarity over the club’s managerial future.

Perez confirmed that Jose Mourinho’s expected return to the Bernabeu depends on the outcome of Saturday’s vote.

According to Perez, the Portuguese manager has already agreed a three-year contract but will only be officially appointed if the current president secures re-election.

Mourinho has become a central figure in Perez’s campaign as the club looks to bounce back from two successive seasons without a major trophy.

Meanwhile, Benfica have already moved on by appointing former Fulham manager Marco Silva as Mourinho’s replacement.

Perez also revealed that supporters will not have to wait long for news on new arrivals. The 78-year-old announced that Real Madrid’s first major signing of the summer will be unveiled later today, June 4.

“Of course. This Thursday, I will announce Real Madrid’s first major signing for next season,” Perez stated via COPE.

“Everyone knows what my sporting plan is: to have the best players and continue winning.”