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Manchester City Hit Back at Real Madrid Election Candidate Over Haaland Transfer Claim
Real Madrid presidential hopeful Enrique Riquelme says he would sign Erling Haaland if elected, but Manchester City insist the claims are untrue.
Manchester City have strongly denied suggestions that Erling Haaland could move to Real Madrid and are considering legal action after presidential hopeful Enrique Riquelme used the striker’s image during his election campaign.
Riquelme, who is challenging Florentino Perez for the Real Madrid presidency, told Spanish broadcaster Antena 3 on Wednesday that signing Haaland would be one of his priorities if elected.
Holding up a Real Madrid jersey with Haaland’s name and the number nine, Riquelme also expressed confidence about bringing City midfielder Rodri to the Santiago Bernabeu.
“Rodri plays in a position Real Madrid need and he fits the profile. If I become president, he will play for Real Madrid,” he said.
“With Rodri, he is under contract and we must respect Manchester City. We would sit down to talk with the club and his representatives as early as next Monday.”
Discussing Haaland, Riquelme claimed: “As for Haaland, it is a different situation. He has a release clause and would like to join Real Madrid.”
Manchester City responded forcefully on Thursday, dismissing the remarks.
“The stories which have emerged from Spain regarding the future of Erling Haaland are untrue,” a club spokesman 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 has been one of City’s standout performers since arriving in 2022. The Norwegian striker committed his future to the club by signing a new nine-and-a-half-year deal in January 2025.
The 25-year-old finished this season with the Premier League Golden Boot after scoring 27 goals and helped City lift both the FA Cup and League Cup.
The Real Madrid presidential election is scheduled for Sunday, with renewable energy entrepreneur Riquelme seeking to unseat Perez, who has overseen one of the most successful eras in the club’s history since returning to office in 2009.
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