News Focus
- Real Madrid will hold presidential elections on 7 June between Florentino Pérez and Enrique Riquelme
- The club plans to announce Nico Paz as their first summer signing immediately after the vote
- Los Blancos will trigger the €9 million buyback clause for the Como midfielder
- José Mourinho is expected to become the new manager once the elections conclude
- The election process has delayed the club’s summer transfer preparations
Real Madrid are preparing for an unexpected presidential election this week. Florentino Pérez called the vote suddenly after facing criticism regarding his leadership during the past two years. Most observers believed he would stand without opposition. However, Enrique Riquelme has emerged as a rival candidate. The two men will compete for the position on 7 June.
The election has slowed down the club’s summer preparations. Álvaro Arbeloa confirmed he would leave his role before the final match of the season. The club has not named his replacement yet. Reports suggest José Mourinho has signed a three-year contract with the club. The delay in confirming this deal has increased the costs involved. Pérez remains the strong favourite to win. If he succeeds, Mourinho will become the new manager shortly after the results.
The club will also confirm their first new player. Diario AS reports that Real Madrid will activate the €9 million buyback option for Nico Paz from Como. The Argentine international won the Serie A midfielder of the year award this season. He has been connected with a return to Madrid for several weeks. The newspaper states the announcement will happen immediately after the elections, no matter who wins. The club has kept regular contact with Paz and informed him of their intentions.
Riquelme has promised to sign two international stars if he wins the election. Meanwhile, Pérez stated this week that “the signings will come, as they always have”. The club aims to recruit a midfielder and a centre-back. Beyond these positions, there is little clarity about further additions. Endrick Felipe will also return to the club following his loan spell at Olympique Lyon.