Manchester City are reportedly considering legal action after a candidate in the upcoming Real Madrid presidential elections publicly claimed he would sign star striker Erling Haaland if elected.
The controversy erupted when businessman and presidential challenger Enrique Riquelme appeared on Spanish television holding a Real Madrid shirt bearing Haaland’s name.
Riquelme boldly declared that the Norwegian forward would be one of his marquee signings should he defeat incumbent president Florentino Perez in the election.
“He has a release clause and would like to join Real Madrid. If I become president, he will play for Real Madrid.”
The candidate also claimed he would pursue City midfielder Rodri, insisting the Spaniard is a player Madrid need to strengthen their squad.
“He is a great player, in a position where Madrid need to strengthen. We have spoken to his agent. We have to respect his club, but if I’m president he will play for Madrid. I will do everything possible.”
The comments triggered an immediate response from Haaland’s camp, with the striker’s father, Alf-Inge Haaland, and agent Rafaela Pimenta issuing a joint statement dismissing the claims.
“All very entertaining but not true.
We wish all the best for both candidates in the Real Madrid elections.”
Manchester City then moved swiftly to reject the suggestion that Haaland could leave the club, strongly denying reports that any release clause exists.
In a firm statement, the Premier League giants said:
“The stories which have emerged from Spain regarding the future of Erling Haaland are untrue.
There is no chance of this happening and there is no contractual clause to enable it.
We are considering legal action for the use of our player image in this context.”
The situation has added another chapter to the long-running speculation linking Haaland with a future move to Real Madrid, despite the striker remaining a central figure in City’s plans.
The club’s strong response suggests they view Riquelme’s comments as more than mere election rhetoric, particularly given the public use of Haaland’s image and name as part of a political campaign.
For now, both Haaland’s representatives and Manchester City have made their position clear: the striker is not available, and the claims made during the Real Madrid presidential race have been categorically rejected.
