'He Will Play For Real Madrid': Florentino Perez's Rival Pledges To Sign Erling Haaland & Rodri

Published 4 June 2026 · politics

'He Will Play For Real Madrid': Florentino Perez's Rival Pledges To Sign Erling Haaland & Rodri Published By, Last Updated: June 04, 2026, 07:37 IST

'He Will Play For Real Madrid': Florentino Perez's Rival Pledges To Sign Erling Haaland & Rodri Published By, Last Updated: June 04, 2026, 07:37 IST Ahead of the Real Madrid presidential elections this Sunday, the candidates have revealed their ambitious plans Rapid Read Erling Haaland (left) and Rodri (Agencies) Real Madrid’s presidential race has transformed into a battle of bold ambitions. Both Florentino Perez and his challenger Enrique Riquelme have made headline-grabbing announcements, designed to shape the club’s future ahead of Sunday’s election. Perez’s campaign delivered perhaps its biggest statement yet by revealing Jose Mourinho as its preferred candidate for the managerial role. In a brief video posted on the official Instagram account of the president’s campaign, the Portuguese coach appeared wearing a Real Madrid shirt and delivered a one-word response: “Yes," a message widely interpreted as confirmation that he is ready for a return to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Mourinho also indicated he would pursue Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate, who is set to leave the Premier League club. The announcement landed just as Riquelme was presenting an equally ambitious vision of his own. During an appearance on Antena 3, the presidential hopeful outlined plans to bring two of world football’s most sought-after players to Madrid: Manchester City stars Erling Haaland and Rodri. As part of the presentation, Riquelme unveiled a Real Madrid shirt bearing Haaland’s name and the number nine, signalling the scale of his transfer ambitions. “Rodri plays in a position Real Madrid need and he fits the profile. If I become president, he will play for Real Madrid," Riquelme said. He added that negotiations with Manchester City and the midfielder’s representatives would begin “as early as next Monday", despite Rodri having a year remaining on his contract. “As for Haaland, it is a different situation.

He has a release clause and would like to join Real Madrid," he added. The contrasting announcements have given supporters two very different visions for the club’s future. Perez is backing a proven figure from the club’s recent past, while Riquelme is pitching a squad rebuild centred on some of the game’s biggest names. Mourinho would return to Madrid 13 years after leaving the club. During his first spell between 2010 and 2013, he won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup, while leading Real Madrid through one of Spanish football’s most intense eras against Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona. The Portuguese coach would arrive after managing Benfica this season. Perez also indicated that another signing could be announced later this week if he remains in charge, adding further intrigue to a contest increasingly defined by bold promises and long-term visions.