Manchester City have threatened legal action after presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme announced Erling Haaland would join Real Madrid should he win the club’s upcoming election. Riquelme, challenging Florentino Perez for the presidency, claimed he had secured an agreement with Haaland and fellow Manchester City player Rodri as his first signings if elected on Sunday.
During an appearance on the Spanish television show El Hormiguero, Riquelme stated Haaland “wants to come to Madrid” and possesses a release clause, displaying a Real Madrid shirt with ‘Haaland 9’ printed on the back. The candidate further asserted he had a financial guarantee in place, promising to cover all membership costs for the next season should he fail to deliver on his promises regarding either player.
City swiftly responded to the claims, issuing a statement via The Athletic’s Sam Lee on X, stating the reports are “untrue.” The club emphatically denied any possibility of the transfer occurring and confirmed there is no contractual clause permitting such a move. City also indicated they are considering legal action due to the unauthorized use of Haaland’s image.
Haaland’s representatives have also dismissed the suggestion. A joint statement from his agent Rafaela Pimenta and father Alf-Inge Haaland described the claims as “very entertaining but not true,” and wished both presidential candidates well in the election. The Norway international enjoyed a prolific season for City, scoring 38 goals in all competitions.
Haaland signed a contract extension with Manchester City in January, committing his future to the club until 2034. Despite the recent departure of manager Pep Guardiola, the striker appears set to remain at the Etihad Stadium. The situation casts a shadow over reports linking Jose Mourinho with a return to Real Madrid, as Riquelme has stated he would not appoint the Portuguese manager if he wins the election, instead favouring a manager with a “totally different style.” He has hinted at a potential move for former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, with reports in May suggesting several meetings have already taken place.
