Manchester City are considering legal action after a Real Madrid presidential candidate claimed he would sign Erling Haaland if elected.
Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme, who is contesting against current president Florentino Perez in Sunday’s election, stated during an appearance on Spanish television show El Hormiguero that Haaland has a release clause and wants to move to the Santiago Bernabeu. He also displayed a Real Madrid shirt bearing “Haaland 9” on the back.
Riquelme, who also promised to sign Haaland’s City teammate Rodri, said:“If I break my promises regarding either of these players, I’ve signed a guarantee where I’d pay 100 per cent of membership costs for next season.
“Haaland has a release clause, and he wants to come to Madrid.”
However, Manchester City quickly dismissed the claims, insisting there is “no chance” Haaland will leave the Etihad Stadium anytime soon. The club also confirmed they are considering legal action over the use of the player’s image during the campaign stunt.
A City spokesperson said: “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.”
Haaland remains under contract with Manchester City until 2034, while his agent, Rafaela Pimenta, and his father, Alfie Haaland, also dismissed suggestions that the 25-year-old could soon move to Spain.
A joint statement released early Thursday morning read:“All very entertaining but not true. We wish all the best for both candidates in the Real Madrid elections.”
Meanwhile, current Real Madrid president Florentino Perez also made an eye-catching election pledge, appearing to hint at Jose Mourinho’s return as manager if re-elected.
Perez posted a video on X featuring Mourinho in a Real Madrid shirt saying, “Yes,” alongside the message:“Meanwhile, on TV, they just keep talking and talking and talking. So much history to be made.”