Riquelme Announces Haaland, Pérez Names Mourinho for Madrid

Madrid candidates are caught in a war of statements and signings. Riquelme announced on television that he would bring Erling Haaland and Rodri to the club, while Florentino Pérez declared José Mourinho as the coach and promised a 150‑million offer on Tuesday. Riquelme made the declaration on the TV programme El Hormiguero. He specifically named Norwegian striker Erling Haaland and midfielder Rodri as targets. Florentino Pérez later confirmed that José Mourinho would be the new head coach. That same night Pérez added that a 150‑million offer for a star player would be made on Tuesday. Pérez disclosed a 150‑million‑euro bid for an unnamed crack will be submitted on Tuesday. The target was described simply as a crack in the club’s internal communications. Riquelme’s shortlist also includes midfielder Rodri. German manager Jürgen Klopp was mentioned as a possible coach for the project. The contrasting plans highlight very different project visions for Madrid. The two camps remain at odds over player and coach selections.