By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has hinted at another major transfer rebuild at the Santiago Bernabéu, insisting the Spanish giants will always pursue the world’s best players after a disappointing campaign without major silverware.
Speaking during a wide-ranging interview on Spanish television following his announcement of fresh presidential elections, Pérez defended his long-standing “Galácticos” philosophy and recalled some of the biggest signings of his two spells in charge of Real Madrid.
“We’ve always signed the best,” Pérez said. “I signed Figo, Zidane, Ronaldo, Beckham… Then in my second spell I signed Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaká and Benzema. When there’s a best, I will bring him in.”
The remarks have intensified speculation that Real Madrid are preparing another blockbuster summer transfer window following a season in which the club struggled domestically and in Europe despite the arrival of superstar forward Kylian Mbappé.
Although Pérez refused to discuss specific targets, his comments have reignited links with Erling Haaland, whom the club has monitored for several years. When directly asked about the Manchester City striker, Pérez declined to elaborate, insisting transfer decisions belong to the sporting department.
Pérez’s latest comments reflect the transfer strategy that transformed Real Madrid into global football’s biggest commercial brand during the early 2000s. His first “Galácticos” era famously brought in Luís Figo from Barcelona, Zinedine Zidane from Juventus, Ronaldo Nazário from Inter Milan and David Beckham from Manchester United in successive years.
After returning to the presidency in 2009, Pérez launched a second Galácticos project by securing the signings of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaká and Karim Benzema, helping Real Madrid dominate Europe over the next decade with multiple UEFA Champions League triumphs.
Under Pérez, Real Madrid have won a record number of Champions League titles during his presidency, cementing his reputation as one of football’s most influential club executives.
The veteran president’s comments also arrive amid growing uncertainty surrounding the club’s future direction after internal tensions, criticism from supporters and public clashes with La Liga and Barcelona over the ongoing Negreira scandal.
Despite mounting pressure, Pérez insisted Real Madrid’s ambition in the transfer market remains unchanged and suggested supporters should expect further elite arrivals as the club attempts to return to the top of European football next season.
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