Manchester City have threatened legal action after a candidate in Real Madrid’s presidential election publicly claimed he would sign striker Erling Haaland if elected.
The controversy erupted when Spanish businessman Enrique Riquelme unveiled a Real Madrid shirt bearing Haaland’s name during a television appearance and suggested the Norwegian star was keen on a move to the Santiago Bernabéu.
“He has a release clause and would like to join Real Madrid. If I become president, he will play for Real Madrid,” Riquelme declared.
The comments were swiftly rejected by both Manchester City and Haaland’s representatives.
In a strongly worded statement, City denied the existence of any clause that would facilitate such a transfer and warned they could pursue legal action over the use of the player’s image in a political campaign.
“The stories which have emerged from Spain regarding the future of Erling Haaland are untrue,” the club said.
“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.”
Haaland’s father, former Manchester City midfielder Alf-Inge Haaland, and his agent Rafaela Pimenta also distanced themselves from the claims.
“All very entertaining but not true,” they said in a joint statement. “We wish all the best for both candidates in the Real Madrid elections.”
Riquelme, a renewable energy entrepreneur, is challenging long-serving Real Madrid president Florentino Perez in the club’s first contested presidential election in two decades.
The 37-year-old has built his campaign around ambitious promises, including attracting world-class players to the Spanish giants.
Alongside Haaland, he also pledged to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri, claiming discussions had already taken place with the Spain international’s representatives.
“He is a great player, in a position where Madrid need to strengthen,” Riquelme said. “We have spoken to his agent. We have to respect his club, but if I’m president he will play for Madrid.”
Rodri recently acknowledged speculation surrounding his future but insisted he remains calm about his situation, with decisions likely to be made after the upcoming World Cup.
The election campaign has become increasingly heated, with both camps trading public blows.
Riquelme has criticised Perez’s decision to appoint Jose Mourinho as Real Madrid manager, while hinting that former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp would be his preferred choice to lead the club.
“My coach is the one Real Madrid fans want,” he said, without revealing a specific name.
When previously asked about Klopp, Riquelme admitted he would welcome a coach of that calibre at Real Madrid.
Perez, meanwhile, has dismissed suggestions that his rival can deliver on promises to recruit superstar players, portraying the proposals as unrealistic.
The veteran club president has instead focused his campaign on rebuilding the squad following a disappointing season in which Real Madrid failed to win major silverware.
Perez has already indicated that defender Ibrahima Konate and wing-back Denzel Dumfries are expected to join the club if he secures another term in office.
The election has also produced some unusual moments. During Riquelme’s appearance on a popular Spanish television programme, Perez’s supporters reportedly purchased advertising space to promote Mourinho’s appointment and encourage members to back the incumbent president.
With Haaland’s representatives, Manchester City and Real Madrid all drawn into the controversy, the presidential race has become one of the most closely watched elections in the club’s modern history.
