Election fever: Riquelme names Raúl as sporting director
Sunday's presidential election is shaping up to be a blockbuster. Challenger Enrique Riquelme has gone public with his blueprint: club legend Raúl as sporting director, and Manchester City's Rodri as his marquee signing. "Si yo soy presidente, Raúl será el director deportivo," Riquelme stated flatly (8). He also dismissed the Mourinho noise, saying the Portuguese "is not what Real Madrid needs right now" (5). Riquelme has previously named Erling Haaland as his dream 'galáctico' target, this is a campaign built on big names.
Pérez fires back: 'New stars are coming'
Florentino Pérez isn't staying quiet. The incumbent president has promised a spectacular summer window if re-elected on June 7, telling supporters "de nouvelles stars vont arriver", new stars will arrive (12). He also picked up a public endorsement from Carlo Ancelotti, who sent a message of support ahead of the vote (10). The contrast is stark: Pérez selling stability and stardust, Riquelme pitching a Raúl-led revolution.
Castilla take control in promotion playoff
Real Madrid Castilla beat Sabadell 2–0 in the first leg of their promotion playoff to LaLiga Hypermotion (2). A clean sheet and a two-goal cushion, the B team are in a strong position heading into the return leg. Other results saw Villarreal, Zamora, Celta Fortuna, Europa, Atlético Madrileño and Ponferradina also involved across the playoff ties.
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Dumfries links heat up, Fresneda scouted
Real Madrid have made a first approach for Inter's Denzel Dumfries as they explore right-back options (9) (1). Inter are already lining up Atalanta's Marco Palestra as a potential replacement, a sign the Dutchman's exit is very real. Separately, Sporting's Iván Fresneda has been scouted by the club, with some reports linking the interest to a possible Mourinho appointment (14).
Como target another Castilla gem
Cesc Fàbregas' Como are back at La Fábrica. After signing Nico Paz and Jacobo Ramón, the Serie A side now want midfielder César Palacios from Castilla (13). The 19-year-old is highly rated, losing another academy talent to Como would sting.
Quick hits
Arda Güler impressed for Turkey in a World Cup match, part of a surprisingly small Madrid contingent at the tournament, just 10 players, and none from Spain (11). A separate report claims Kylian Mbappé has lost the trust of his teammates in the dressing room, though the source is unconfirmed (7). Mourinho-to-Madrid talk persists, with one report suggesting his appointment would cost €15m due to a break clause at Benfica (4).
Fan reactions
The election dominates every conversation. Fans are split between the Pérez stability camp and the Riquelme-Raúl fantasy ticket, with the Dumfries links adding a welcome dose of actual transfer noise. One thread lit up over Di Marzio's report that Inter have offered €40m plus €5m in add-ons for Marco Palestra as they prepare for Dumfries' departure, proof the right-back dominoes are already falling. Read more
