22 May 2026 07:58 BST |
5 min read
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez’s bid to retain his position is set to see him go up against Enrique Riquelme, whose challenge for the role is being fuelled by a plan to sign Erling Haaland and make Jurgen Klopp manager.
Amid the chaos at the Bernabeu, Perez took action to call an election that he hopes will reinforce his position and strength at the club.
He might have wished to run opposed, but Enrique Riquelme has confirmed his candidacy for the post before Saturday’s deadline – and the 37-year-old president of COX Energy will bring with him two major trump cards in the hope of causing an upset.
Haaland and Klopp already in Real Madrid talks
Riquelme has already held talks with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland over a potential transfer to Real Madrid, while he has also had several meetings with Klopp, who he wants to lead his sporting project, El Confidencial reports.
The presidential candidate has been in contact with Haaland’s representatives, led by Rafaela Pimenta, in order to gauge his interest in a move. Given that Pep Guardiola has announced he will leave Manchester City this summer, the belief is that striking in this period of “chaos” could trigger an unexpected deal.
However, this is entirely contingent on Riquelme beating Perez to the presidency.
Haaland is under contract until 2034 at the Etihad Stadium and any deal would be a “significant challenge”, the Spanish source adds.
Mourinho U-turn? Riquelme wants Klopp
Jose Mourinho has been lined up to take command of Real Madrid on a two-year deal by Perez, but according to El Confidencial, that could be turned on its head if Riquelme wins the presidency, with Klopp in line for the role.
It reports: “According to sources close to the deal, Riquelme has held several meetings with representatives of Red Bull’s current global director of football, with the intention of making the German another key figure in the project. In other words, Klopp and Haaland are the two figures chosen to spearhead Riquelme’s sporting project.”
Why are Real Madrid holding an election?
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez officially called an election on 12 May in a dramatic move aimed at providing the club with stability during a period of immense turmoil.
During a press conference, Perez claimed his decision was a response to an “absurd situation” and a “current of opinion” designed to destabilise his leadership.
He specifically blamed a “smear campaign” and a “conspiracy” driven by certain sections of the media for creating external pressure.
That scrutiny has been magnified by a downturn in the team’s on-field form. Real Madrid sit second in La Liga, trailing champions Barcelona by 11 points with only a final home match against Athletic Club remaining.
The broader picture reveals a season of deep instability.
Xabi Alonso lasted six months as manager before being sacked in January, leaving Alvaro Arbeloa to take interim charge of the first team.
Internal friction has been a problem throughout the season. Alonso lost control of the dressing room, notably clashing publicly with Vinicius Junior, while Arbeloa has been unable to improve the situation, which has gradually deteriorated over the course of the campaign.
Does Riquelme stand a chance?
Unseating an incumbent president is notoriously difficult at Real Madrid, meaning the Riquelme begins this process as a huge underdog.
Any prospective challenger must hold Spanish citizenship and boast at least 20 consecutive years as a club member. Crucially, candidates must also provide a personal bank guarantee equivalent to 15 per cent of the annual budget, which sits at approximately €187 million for this cycle.
Riquelme, the president of renewable energy firm Cox, meets both requirements. The Spanish businessman claims to possess the required financial guarantee and is finalising his proposed board of directors ahead of the 23 May deadline.
His strategy to sign Haaland and Klopp is designed to help sway the voting base.
The formal window for submitting candidacies closes at midnight on May 23.
If Riquelme or any other eligible candidate submits a valid bid, a members’ vote is scheduled for June 7.
However, if no challenger finalises their paperwork, Perez will be proclaimed president unopposed on May 24, continuing a streak of uncontested victories dating back to 2009.
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