Manchester City are considering legal action after Real Madrid presidential hopeful Enrique Riquelme claimed he would sign Erling Haaland if elected. Riquelme made the statement during a televised appearance on Antena 3 on Wednesday, displaying a Real Madrid jersey with Haaland's name and the number nine. He also said he would pursue Rodri, who has one year left on his contract with City.
Riquelme, a renewable energy entrepreneur, stated that Rodri fits Real Madrid's profile and would play for the club if he becomes president. He added that discussions with City and Rodri's representatives could begin as early as the following Monday. Regarding Haaland, Riquelme claimed the Norwegian forward has a release clause and desires to join Real Madrid.
City issued a statement on Thursday rejecting the claims. "The stories which have emerged from Spain regarding the future of Erling Haaland are untrue," said a club spokesman. "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 joined Manchester City in 2022 and signed a nine-and-a-half-year contract extension in January 2025. The 25-year-old has won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the League Cup, and the FA Cup with the club. He also claimed the Premier League Golden Boot this season with 27 goals.
The Real Madrid presidential election is set for Sunday. Riquelme is challenging incumbent president Florentino Perez, who has held the role since 2009 and previously served from 2000 to 2006.
Enrique Riquelme claims Haaland wants to join Real Madrid despite having a nine-and-a-half-year contract with Manchester City. He promises to sign a player whose club says no such clause exists and has publicly rejected the claim. Riquelme also pledges to negotiate for Rodri, who remains under contract with a club not mentioned as willing to sell. His campaign is built on promises involving players whose current team is now threatening legal action over their image.
💡 NaijaBuzz Take is AI-assisted editorial opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
