Florentino Perez's challenger aims high, promising Haaland and Rodri
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 04.06.26. | 09:53
As part of the presidential election campaign at Real Madrid, potential new signings are already being discussed
The race for the presidency of Real Madrid intensified dramatically on Wednesday, with both candidates unveiling eye-catching plans ahead of Sunday's election. Challenger Enrique Riquelme doubled down on his ambition by pledging to bring both Erling Haaland and Rodri to the Santiago Bernabeu, while incumbent Florentino Perez revealed that Jose Mourinho would return to the dugout should he secure another term.
Club members will head to the polls this weekend to decide between Riquelme, a 37-year-old businessman in the renewable energy sector, and Perez, the long-serving president who has overseen the club for most of the past quarter-century.
The election marks Madrid's first contested presidential vote in two decades and arrives at a time of growing pressure following back-to-back campaigns without major silverware.
Speaking on the widely watched Spanish television program "El Hormiguero," Riquelme reiterated his confidence in landing two of football's most sought-after stars. The presidential hopeful, who has already announced club icons Raul Gonzalez and Fernando Hierro as key figures in his proposed sporting structure, even offered a remarkable guarantee to supporters.
"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."
The claim was swiftly challenged by representatives of the Manchester City striker. In a joint response, Haaland's father, Alfie, and agent Rafaela Pimenta dismissed suggestions of any arrangement with Riquelme, stating: "All very entertaining but not true. We wish all the best for both candidates in the Madrid elections".
Haaland remains under contract at Manchester City until 2034 after signing a blockbuster extension in January 2025. Reports at the time indicated the agreement was among the most lucrative deals in professional sports and removed previous release clauses that existed when he joined from Borussia Dortmund in 2022.
Riquelme has also made no secret of his admiration for Rodri, identifying the Ballon d'Or winner as a priority target. The Spanish midfielder has just one year remaining on his current contract with City, and the presidential candidate believes he would be an ideal addition to strengthen Madrid's midfield.
"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."
While Riquelme focused on potential transfers, Perez's campaign made its own headline-grabbing announcement later in the evening. Through an official social media statement, the current president confirmed that Mourinho would be brought back to manage the first team if he emerges victorious in Sunday's election. The Portuguese coach previously spent three seasons at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013.