Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has revealed that the club is preparing a transfer offer worth more than €150 million for a player currently competing in the UEFA Champions League, a move that would become the most expensive signing in the club’s history.
Speaking during an appearance on the Spanish television programme Horizonte with Iker Jiménez, Pérez suggested that the target is neither Erling Haaland nor Harry Kane, while also ruling out the Premier League as the player’s current destination. The veteran club chief explained that the mystery player operates either in midfield or attack and admitted that identifying the target would be difficult.
“I’m going to make an offer of more than €150 million for a Champions League player on Tuesday,” Pérez said. “It would be the highest amount of money Real Madrid would pay for a transfer in its history. He doesn’t play in the Premier League, but he does play in the Champions League. He is a midfielder or attacker. It’s not Haaland or Kane either. You’re not going to guess it.”
The announcement comes amid Real Madrid’s presidential election campaign, with Pérez facing competition from challenger Enrique Riquelme. During the interview, Pérez dismissed claims made by rival candidates regarding potential transfer plans and questioned the credibility of reports linking the club with other major stars.
He also confirmed that Dutch international defender Denzel Dumfries remains a target and stated that he would move to sign the player if re-elected as president.
Pérez used the interview to defend his long tenure at the Santiago Bernabéu, highlighting the club’s achievements under his leadership. He pointed to the 66 trophies won during his presidency, including multiple UEFA Champions League titles, and stressed that Real Madrid remains one of the most attractive destinations in world football.
“You don’t always win, but I have won 66 titles as president. No one has won more European Cups than me,” Pérez said. “All players want to play for Real Madrid. We have 15 Champions Leagues and the best players want to be here.”
The Real Madrid chief also reflected on the club’s financial transformation since his arrival, noting that the organisation has grown into one of the most valuable sports institutions in the world. According to Pérez, Real Madrid is now valued at around €10 billion, a dramatic increase from the financial difficulties he says the club faced when he first took charge.
Pérez also praised former manager José Mourinho for helping restore a winning mentality at the club, arguing that the Portuguese coach laid the foundations for Real Madrid’s subsequent European success.
While Pérez stopped short of naming the mystery transfer target, his comments have sparked widespread speculation across European football. With a potential offer exceeding €150 million reportedly set to be submitted next week, attention will now turn to which Champions League star could become the most expensive signing in Real Madrid’s illustrious history.
