“Not Olise, not Haaland”: Real Madrid president hints at record-breaking Galáctico signing

After winning reelection as Real Madrid president for another four years, Florentino Pérez already has a long to-do list.

Following the presentation of José Mourinho as the club’s new head coach, Pérez must begin rebuilding a squad that has looked increasingly thin and outdated over the past two seasons. The veteran executive recently revealed that several signings were already lined up if he secured another term.

The first is expected to be Ibrahima Konaté, the 27-year-old French center back who will join Madrid after his Liverpool contract expires. The 6-foot-5 defender is set to sign a long-term deal, reportedly for four seasons with an option for a fifth.

A second arrival is expected in the form of Dutch right back Denzel Dumfries, 30. Real Madrid will reportedly trigger the Inter Milan defender’s €20 million release clause, roughly $23 million.

Those additions would join Nico Paz, who is expected to return to the club after Madrid exercises its buyback option from Como for approximately $10.4 million.

Florentino hints at a record-breaking transfer

But Pérez appears far from finished.

Speaking Thursday on the Spanish television program “Horizonte,” the Real Madrid president suggested that even bigger moves are on the way.

“I can already tell you about those three signings, but there will be more, in many other positions,” Pérez said.

He then stunned viewers with an even more eye-catching revelation.

“I’m going to make an offer to a Champions League club very soon, on Tuesday. It will be the biggest fee Real Madrid has ever paid for a player in its history, at least €150 million ($173 million). It’s not Olise. He’s a great player, but it’s not him. It’s not Doku, it’s not Haaland, it’s not Kane. But he plays further forward. He’s not in the Premier League. He’s a total Galáctico.”

The comments immediately sparked widespread speculation across Europe.

Olise remains leading candidate despite denial

Several names initially emerged as possible targets, including Vitinha and João Neves.

Despite Pérez’s apparent attempt to rule him out, Olise has increasingly become the player most closely linked with a move to Madrid.

The French international left a major impression on the Madrid president during Bayern Munich’s Champions League quarterfinal clash against Los Blancos. He is also expected to be one of the standout attractions at the Club World Cup, which begins this week.

Now in his second season with Bayern, Olise has developed into one of Europe’s most dynamic attacking players. His creativity, dribbling ability and production in the final third have made him one of the continent’s most sought-after stars.

According to reports, he is the player Pérez is willing to spend approximately €150 million, about $173 million, to acquire.

Bayern sends clear Olise message

Any attempt to sign Olise, however, is likely to face fierce resistance from Bayern Munich.

Club president Herbert Hainer recently dismissed the possibility of a transfer.

“Olise is a Bayern player and has a long-term contract. We are not a selling club. If Florentino Pérez wants to send us an offer, which he has not done so far, he can save himself the trouble,” Hainer said.

Former Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge delivered a similarly firm stance several weeks ago.

“€200 million ($230 million) for Olise? For a player like him, there is no price that would make us hesitate,” he said.

Gvardiol also remains on Madrid’s radar

Olise is not the only high-profile name being linked with the Spanish giants.

Joško Gvardiol, capable of playing both center back and left back, has also been mentioned as a potential target as Madrid evaluates ways to refresh its roster.

For now, though, attention remains fixed on Pérez. Fresh off another election victory, the Real Madrid president has publicly promised more major signings.

The next challenge is delivering the next Galáctico.

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