After a disappointing campaign that ended without major silverware, Florentino Perez has already started looking ahead to what could become another busy summer at Real Madrid.
During his interview with Josep Pedrerol on La Sexta, the Real Madrid president admitted that the squad will now undergo an important review following a difficult season that fell below expectations.
While Perez avoided revealing specific names, his comments strongly suggested that the club is preparing fresh moves in the transfer market in an attempt to return to the top immediately next season.
What was said?
During the interview, where several other subjects were also discussed, the Real Madrid chief made it clear that the club’s ambition in the market has not changed despite the setbacks suffered this year.
“Of course, there will be signings. We’ve always signed the best. Figo, Zidane, Ronaldo, Beckham. Then came Cristiano, Kaka, and Benzema.
“I went to Benzema’s house to bring him in. If I see a good one, I go for him. I signed all the Ballon d’Or winners.
“Is [Erling] Haaland impossible to sign? I don’t comment on that. That’s the job of the sporting director, I don’t get involved in sporting matters,” he reiterated.
The mention of Erling Haaland will inevitably fuel speculation linking the Manchester City striker with a future move to Madrid, especially after another season in which Perez openly acknowledged the need to analyse the current squad.
The Valverde-Tchouameni feud
The Real Madrid president was also questioned about the tension within the dressing room, particularly about the disagreements between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni.
However, Perez attempted to calm the situation and insisted that such incidents are normal inside elite football clubs.
Perez opened up about the Valverde-Tchouameni feud. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
“I’ve been here for 26 years, and the players have fallen out several times every year,” he said.
Even so, the president also warned that the club would not tolerate anyone attempting to damage Real Madrid, stating. “We’ll sort that out too.”
Addressing the reported Valverde-Tchouameni incident more directly, Perez once again dismissed the idea that the situation was serious.
“They get on perfectly well. There have always been arguments in training. Ask any club. But what we don’t have is the bad faith of this orchestrated campaign.”
Tension within the dressing room
Perez also reflected on the difficult atmosphere surrounding the club this season and admitted he did not expect the campaign to become so complicated both on and off the pitch.
“No. But everyone is against us. Real Madrid is very powerful. We are working on everything the Community has asked of us, and they need to pass legislation that allows us to hold events.
“We don’t make money from the concerts; it’s a matter of reputation. I believe concerts will return to the Bernabeu.”
The Real Madrid president also revisited the controversial European Super League project and maintained his strong support for the idea despite the backlash it received across European football.
“We have the right to create the Super League. I don’t want money; I want what’s best for football.
“I’ve come here to improve football in Europe and around the world. We’re working with UEFA, with whom we have a very good relationship,” he concluded.