Real Madrid have not taken a decision yet on the final design for a redeveloped Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. Just over a month ago, Real Madrid presented four proposals for a redeveloped Bernabéu and stated to expect to make a decision around this time, but sources within the club now indicate this decision may take another few months.
For an overview of the four proposals, read our article of last month. Soon after the presentation, rumours went that Madrid president Florentino Pérez had a strong preference for the design of German firm GMP architekten (in cooperation with Spanish firm L35 and Josep Ribas, with whom they have now merged).
GMP was the last firm to get invited to the contest, but were the only one to include a retractable roof, something Pérez has always been very keen on. The proposal has since received a little blow as it was revealed that Josep Ribas is a Barcelona season ticket holder, which for some reason has raised concerns among the club’s directors
In recent weeks, all firms have made their pitch for the club leadership, and have now been asked to make some changes based on suggestions of the directors. One imagines that a retractable roof has been one of them. This will likely also mean that new models will first be presented before a final decision will be taken.
The fan’s favourite seems to be the proposal by Norman Foster, while the Populous one also has advocates within the club. The least traction has the proposal of Swiss firm Herzog & De Meuron, who have also been reluctant to make changes to their initial idea and do not seem open for suggestions by the board.
Their lack of willingness to make changes may have been influenced by the significant costs the architects have already made so far, which are estimated to already have superseded the amount of €500,000 each, while initially no more than €200,000 had been budgeted.
Other sources claim that Florentino Pérez is delaying the decision on purpose as to move it closer to the presidential elections that are held in June next year. While no formal rival has announced himself yet, the high-profile redevelopment decision may deter anyone from even contemplating. The club, however, states that the delay is merely a result of them wanting to be sure to pick the best option.
Most of the claims of unnamed sources have come from Madrid newspaper Marca, and while they may be a touch sensationalist at times, they do tend to have good access to sources within the club.