Real Madrid release bizarre statement as identity of Floretino Perez's 'mystery Galatico' revealed
Real Madrid have issued a public statement which appears to reveal the identity of Florentino Perez’s so-called ‘mystery Galactico’.
Perez was re-elected as Real Madrid club president on Sunday (June 7), defeating rival Enrique Riquelme.
During his presidential campaign, the 79-year-old, who has served as club president since 2009, pledged to spend "about €150 million" on a "great player" currently at a "major Champions League club".
He later made it clear the player was not Manchester City's Erling Haaland or Jeremy Doku, nor Bayern Munich duo Michael Olise and Harry Kane.
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Several other names were put forward, including Paris Saint-Germain duo Vitinha and Joao Neves, although the French club reportedly denied that any approaches had been made for either player.
"On Tuesday or so, I'm going to make an offer to a major Champions League club for a great player,” Perez told Spanish TV show Horizonte.
“It would be the largest transfer fee Real Madrid has ever paid in its history."
When further pressed on the identity of the player he was targeting, he replied: “Olise is a great player, but it's not Olise. It's not Doku either.
"We're going to make a significant offer, at least around €150 million.
"He needs to be a midfielder who can drive forward. And it's not Haaland.
"The player is not from the Premier League. And the first thing we'll do is talk to the club.
"It's a signing meant to generate excitement because that's what it's all about — generating excitement."
Real Madrid release statement on rejected bid for 'mystery Galatico'
True to his word, on Tuesday (June 9), Perez and Real took the unusual step of releasing a statement confirming that they had seen a bid of €150 million (£129.4 million) for Julian Alvarez rejected by Atletico Madrid, seemingly shedding light on club president’s mystery transfer target.
An official club statement read: “Real Madrid C. F. announces that, following the meeting of the Board of Directors held today, it has made an offer of 150 million euros to Club Atlético de Madrid for the federative rights of the player Julián Álvarez.
"After reviewing and evaluating the offer, Club Atlético de Madrid has expressed its gratitude for the proposal, made within the framework of the good relations between both clubs, and has rejected it, referring to the player's release clause.”
Just last week, fellow La Liga side Barcelona also reportedly saw a bid of €100 million (£86.3 million) rejected by Atlético. Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with moves for the Argentine, but neither club has lodged an official bid.
It was initially thought that Alvarez’s Atletico deal contained a €500 million (£431.3 million) release clause.
However, GIVEMESPORT’s Ben Jacobs has since reported that the contract contains "provisions for certain Champions League clubs", including Barcelona, which could allow them to sign Álvarez for closer to €150 million (£129.4 million), making a transfer significantly more feasible.
Real Madrid confirm Alvaro Arbeloa departure
Shortly after releasing the statement about the failed Alvarez bid, Real released a separate statement confirming the departure of head coach Alvaro Arbeloa, seemingly paving the way for Jose Mourinho’s impending arrival.
The statement read: "Real Madrid CF and Álvaro Arbeloa have reached an agreement to end his time as first-team coach.
"Real Madrid is deeply grateful to Álvaro Arbeloa, who, throughout his time at the club — from his days in our youth academy onwards — has consistently demonstrated loyalty, commitment and professionalism. He exemplifies the values of our club.
"Real Madrid, which will always be his home, wishes Álvaro Arbeloa and his entire family the very best of luck in this new chapter of their lives."
Topics: Real Madrid, Julian Alvarez, Florentino Perez, Transfer News
Luke Davies