Manchester City are contemplating legal action after a Real Madrid presidential candidate unveiled an Erling Haaland shirt on live television and promised to sign the striker.
Enrique Riquelme, a renewable energy magnate challenging Florentino Perez for the presidency, appeared on Spanish TV on Wednesday holding a shirt bearing Haaland’s name. “He has a release clause and would like to join Real Madrid,” Riquelme said. “If I become president, he will play for Real Madrid.”
“Man City consider legal action after Real Madrid candidate Enrique Riquelme promises to sign Erling Haaland.”
City responded swiftly with a joint statement from Haaland’s father Alfe Inge and agent Rafaela Pimenta, who said: “All very entertaining but not true. We wish all the best for both candidates in the Real Madrid elections.” The club then issued its own denial: “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.”
Riquelme also pledged to sign City midfielder Rodri, saying: “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.”
Now Borussia Dortmund president Hans‑Joachim Watzke has weighed in, claiming Haaland will end up at Real Madrid within two or three years. “I know very well what he thinks, and I can say that he certainly admires Real Madrid and would like to play for them in the future,” Watzke said. “But next season he will continue playing for Manchester City. Without a doubt. He loves Real Madrid and he doesn’t hide it. I think he’ll be playing there in two or three years, but not that soon. He hasn’t committed to anyone as his father has said.”
Haaland signed a nine‑and‑a‑half‑year contract with City in January last year, due to run until 2034. Riquelme is running against Perez for the first time in 20 years after two trophy‑less seasons at Madrid. The 37‑year‑old has promised a members’ city for fans near the training base with swimming pools, padel courts and a basketball arena, and suggested reducing annual membership fees by up to 50% if the team does not win the Champions League next season. He also opposes Perez’s decision to hire Jose Mourinho – an appointment only possible if Perez wins the election. Riquelme’s campaign has hinted that former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is their main target.
On Sunday, fans will vote. Riquelme has vowed to start talks with Haaland’s camp immediately if he wins. “It’s normal, it’s an election, there are two candidates no one is guaranteed to win, and they have to protect the player,” he said. “Starting Monday, we’ll talk, we’ll sit down to talk with them.”