Manchester City weighs legal action over Real Madrid presidential candidate’s transfer claims
The English Premier League club has dismissed assertions made by Enrique Riquelme regarding Erling Haaland and Rodri, citing a lack of contractual basis for the proposed moves.
Manchester City is considering legal proceedings against Enrique Riquelme, a candidate in the upcoming Real Madrid presidential election, following public assertions that the club’s striker Erling Haaland has a release clause and wishes to join the Spanish side. The claims were made during a live television appearance on the Spanish program *El Hormiguero*, where Riquelme, a renewable energy magnate, displayed a Real Madrid shirt bearing Haaland’s name.
In a joint statement issued alongside Haaland’s father and agent Rafaela Pimenta, Manchester City dismissed the reports as untrue. The club confirmed there is no contractual clause to facilitate a transfer and stated there is no chance of the player moving to Spain. The institution specifically highlighted its intention to pursue legal action regarding the unauthorised use of Haaland’s image in the context of these transfer claims.
Riquelme, who is challenging incumbent president Florentino Perez, also pledged to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri if elected. He noted that he has spoken to the player’s agent and argued that the midfield position is one where Real Madrid needs to strengthen. The candidate insisted that while he respects the current club, he would do everything possible to secure the player’s services should he win the presidency.
The incident unfolds against the backdrop of a significant political shift at Real Madrid, marking the first time in 20 years that Perez has faced opposition in a presidential election. Riquelme’s campaign highlights Perez’s lack of major trophies over the past two seasons and proposes various incentives, including a promise to build a members' city near the training base and reduce annual membership fees by up to 50% if the team fails to win the Champions League.
Perez, who is considered the overwhelming favourite among the approximately 100,000 eligible voters, called the election to secure a renewed mandate following on-field unrest and fan disapproval at the Santiago Bernabeu. While Perez has announced Jose Mourinho as the new head coach, an appointment that requires formal confirmation upon his re-election, Riquelme has opposed this decision and hinted that former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is a target for the coaching position. The election is scheduled for Sunday, 7 June.
