Man City threaten legal action over Real Madrid candidate’s Haaland claims

Manchester City are considering legal action after Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme claimed he would sign Erling Braut Haaland if he wins the club’s upcoming election.

Riquelme made the comments during an appearance on Spanish television, where he held up a Madrid shirt with Haaland’s name and number nine printed on the back.

The 37-year-old businessman claimed the striker has a release clause and wants to move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

He also promised to refund the membership fees of Madrid’s 100,000 members next season if he failed to deliver the signing.

City have strongly rejected the claims and insist there is no clause allowing Haaland to leave.

Haaland’s representatives also moved quickly to distance the striker from Riquelme’s remarks.

They described the claims as ‘all very entertaining but not true’ and wished both candidates well in the Madrid election.

Haaland signed a long-term contract in January 2025, tying him to the club until 2034.

That deal made him one of the central figures in City’s long-term plans, despite the uncertainty created by Pep Guardiola’s decision to leave the club this summer.

Riquelme also claimed he would bring Rodri to Madrid if he wins the election, describing him as a player the club needs.

Rodri has one year left on his current deal, but the Premier League club have consistently maintained that they have no intention of selling him this summer.

The comments have added further drama to Madrid’s presidential race.

Florentino Perez remains the overwhelming favourite to retain his position and has already confirmed that Jose Mourinho will return as manager if he is re-elected.

Madrid are also expected to sign Ibrahima Konate following his exit from Liverpool, while Denzel Dumfries is set to arrive from Inter Milan.

City’s focus is now on protecting their players from what they believe are misleading public claims.

The club’s response makes clear that they view Riquelme’s use of Haaland’s image and name as unacceptable and are prepared to escalate the matter if necessary.