Enrique Riquelme, a presidential candidate for Real Madrid, has sparked controversy by claiming he would sign Manchester City striker Erling Haaland if elected. During a Spanish television appearance, the renewable energy entrepreneur held up a Real Madrid shirt bearing Haaland's name and stated that the transfer would be a priority. Riquelme further claimed that Haaland has a release clause and desires a move to the Spanish club.
Manchester City has dismissed these claims as untrue, stating there is no chance of such a transfer and no contractual clause to enable it. The club is currently considering legal action against Riquelme for the use of the player's image in this context. A joint statement from Haaland's father, Alfie, and his agent, Rafaela Pimenta, also rejected the suggestions, describing them as not true.
In addition to Haaland, Riquelme expressed his intention to sign City midfielder Rodri, claiming he has spoken to the player's agent and would do everything possible to bring the Ballon d'Or winner to Madrid. These remarks occur as Real Madrid prepares for a presidential election this Sunday, the first in two decades where incumbent Florentino Perez is not running unopposed, with approximately 100,000 club members eligible to vote.
Haaland, who signed a new 9.5-year contract in January 2025, chose City over Real Madrid in 2022. While the striker, who has won the Premier League Golden Boot three times in four seasons, has said he would like to play for Real one day, there has been no suggestion he is unhappy at City.