Manchester City are reportedly considering legal action after Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme claimed he would sign Erling Haaland if elected.
Riquelme, a 37-year-old renewable energy entrepreneur, made the declaration during a television appearance in Spain, where he unveiled a Real Madrid shirt bearing Haaland’s name and number.
The presidential hopeful told viewers that the Norwegian striker had a release clause in his contract and was eager to join Real Madrid. He even pledged to refund membership fees to all 100,000 club socios if he failed to complete the signing.
However, Haaland’s representatives swiftly dismissed the claims, describing them as “entertaining but not true.”
Manchester City also issued a firm response, insisting that Haaland remains under contract until 2034 and that no clause exists that would allow a move to the Spanish giants.
A City spokesperson described the claims as false and confirmed the club is exploring legal options over the unauthorised use of its players’ image and name in a political campaign.
Riquelme’s ambitious campaign promises extend beyond Haaland. He has also vowed to bring City’s Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder Rodri to the Santiago Bernabéu, despite the Spaniard remaining under contract and City maintaining they have no intention of selling him this summer.
The candidate further announced that former Real Madrid legends Raul Gonzalez and Fernando Hierro would form part of his administration should he win the election.
The comments have intensified an already heated presidential race at Real Madrid, where long-serving president Florentino Perez remains the overwhelming favourite.
Perez has countered with his own eye-catching promises, including the appointment of former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho as head coach if re-elected. He has also reportedly identified Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate and Inter Milan wing-back Denzel Dumfries as transfer targets.
Perez famously won the 2000 presidential election after promising to sign Portuguese star Luis Figo from Barcelona. Riquelme appears to be following a similar strategy with Haaland, although Manchester City’s threat of legal action highlights the risks associated with making transfer claims without any formal basis.
With the election expected to be decided in the coming weeks, Perez remains the frontrunner. Nevertheless, Riquelme’s bold promises have added significant intrigue to the race for control of one of football’s most powerful clubs.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
