Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has refrained from confirming the club's plans to sign Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, stating that decisions about transfers are the responsibility of sporting management.
Speaking to LaSexta following Real Madrid’s defeat to rivals Barcelona, which secured the latter’s consecutive La Liga titles, Perez addressed speculation linking Haaland with a move to the Spanish club despite the Norway international’s contract extension with Manchester City until 2034.
Haaland has been in outstanding form this season, contributing 37 goals and eight assists in 50 appearances as he supports Manchester City’s ambitions in the Premier League and FA Cup. Since his transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 for €60 million, Haaland has scored 161 goals and provided 29 assists for Manchester City, playing a key role in the club’s 2023 treble victory.
When asked by Goal.com about the prospect of signing Haaland, Perez said, “Well, of course. There have always been signings; we have always signed the best. I have signed Figo, Kaka, Ronaldo ‘The Phenomenon’, Beckham… When there is a good one, I go for him.” Regarding Haaland specifically, he added, “Haaland? I do not give an opinion on that. It is a job for the sporting management; I do not get involved in the sporting management.”
Perez also dismissed rumours of former Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho returning to the club. Since Xabi Alonso’s dismissal, Alvaro Arbeloa has taken temporary charge for the remainder of the season, which concluded without major silverware as the club exited the UEFA Champions League in the quarterfinals.
Responding to speculation about Mourinho, Perez said, “How annoying with Mourinho. I did not even speak with Mourinho when he came here to play with Benfica.” He concluded, “It is not true. The one who knows the least about coaches in the club is me.”