Enrique Riquelme unveils plans for Real Madrid presidency
A businessman challenging Florentino Perez for the Real Madrid presidency has declared he already has deals in place with two world-class players who would arrive at the Bernabeu should he triumph in the forthcoming election, reports BritPanorama.
Enrique Riquelme, a 37-year-old entrepreneur from Alicante, made the announcement during an interview with Spanish newspaper ABC earlier today.
“I have an agreement that if I am president of Real Madrid there are two major international stars who will play for Real Madrid,” Riquelme stated, framing both players as “necessary for Real Madrid’s short-, medium-, and long-term sporting project.”
When pressed on whether the identities would be revealed within a fortnight, the challenger responded: “Probably yes.” Riquelme also used the platform to launch a broader attack on the current regime’s stewardship of the club.
“As a Real Madrid fan, I must say that this club currently lacks hierarchy, professionalism, values and a sense of what Real Madrid actually represents,” Riquelme declared. He emphasized the importance of continuity in project management by stating, “It was right to bring him in, and a mistake to let him go,” adding that “a project cannot be judged in three months.”
The challenger suggested supporters were disappointed that Alonso “was not given the power to manage his squad.” Riquelme has formally notified the club’s electoral commission of his intention to stand, triggering a ten-day window for candidates to submit their bids. A vote among the club’s 100,000 socios is expected within the coming fortnight.
To mount his challenge, the renewable energy entrepreneur was required to pay a mandatory personal deposit of €187 million. Riquelme founded Cox Energy, a firm that has overseen major solar projects across Spain, Portugal, Chile, Colombia, Morocco, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. Notably, the company completed a $4 billion acquisition of Iberdrola’s Mexican operations in April. His father served as a club director between 2006 and 2009.
The election timing could complicate Real Madrid’s managerial situation, with Jose Mourinho reportedly poised to return to the club. The Portuguese coach currently has a €7 million release clause at Benfica that expires today, after which the fee rises to €15 million. Reports suggest Mourinho has already identified Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez as a priority signing, with Perez having approved a potential move for the Argentina international, who Chelsea bought for £106 million.
Should Riquelme prevail, however, reports indicate Jurgen Klopp would be his preferred choice to take charge. As the stakes rise, both candidates are positioned to face not only each other but an increasingly scrutinous fan base eager for change.
