Florentino Perez has outlined an ambitious vision for Real Madrid’s future, confirming Denzel Dumfries as his second signing, while also revealing that a potentially record-breaking transfer bid could soon be on the way.
The Real Madrid president spoke openly during an appearance on Horizonte, where he addressed transfer plans, the signing of Jose Mourinho, and comments made by presidential rival Enrique Riquelme.
As the presidential race continues, Perez made it clear that he is already planning major additions to the squad.
The Real Madrid president confirmed that Inter Milan full-back Denzel Dumfries is part of those plans and suggested that more arrivals could follow.
“Shall I give you another name? We’ve talked about Mourinho and Konate… right? Well, now I’m going to talk about Dumfries, who is a very good right-back.
“I’ll tell you about those three signings now, but we’re going to have more in many other places.
“But we’re going to have good players in other positions too.
“I’m going to make an offer to a Champions League club soon, on Tuesday, that will be the largest transfer fee Real Madrid has ever paid for a player in its history: at least 150 million.”
On Erling Haaland and Riquelme
Perez has signed Dumfries. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Perez also used the interview to dismiss recent claims linking Erling Haaland to election promises made by rival candidate Enrique Riquelme. Responding to those reports, he said,
“Everyone has denied it—his father, his agent, the club… It’s a bluff. There are a lot of bluffs this season. I don’t want people destabilising the club.”
The Real Madrid president then turned his attention to criticism directed towards him during the election campaign, adding:
“It doesn’t bother me. What does bother me is when those people’s kids – like Riquelme’s father – come at me now. And I said, ‘Go ahead, let them come; let’s debate it.'”
Mourinho’s return
One of the most striking parts of the interview was Perez’s strong backing of Jose Mourinho.
The veteran president believes the Portuguese coach remains the ideal figure to lead the club forward and restore the competitive edge that defined his first spell in Madrid.
“He’s coming to Madrid next season. I’m excited about it; we know him, and he taught us how to compete.
“He won the Record-Breaking League, and after he left, we won six European Cups – the result of that competitiveness.
Perez has backed Mourinho’s return. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images)
“We think he can be that catalyst again now. Mou was here for three years, and we started winning after he left. You have to have a right hand and a left hand, and Mou had both; he came here with two European Cups.
“The coach runs this; it’s not easy to manage 25 players, all of whom are very good.”
The pressure
Perez also reflected on the pressure that comes with leading one of the biggest clubs in world football and addressed rumours regarding tensions inside the dressing room.
“The expectations have always been high. It’s the club with the most revenue, the most titles. I’m used to it by now.
“Everyone knows you don’t always win, but I’ve won 66 titles. No one has won as many European Cups as I have, for example.
“There’s been a bit of everything over 26 years; to say that two players got into a fight is nonsense.
“It’s normal; what’s abnormal is that someone on the inside with bad intentions would spread it around. They fight every year, but they’re honourable fights.”
