Manchester City are reportedly weighing up the possibility of taking legal action after controversial comments were made by a candidate in the upcoming Real Madrid presidential elections regarding their star striker, Erling Haaland.
The situation unfolded when Enrique Riquelme, a Spanish businessman and renewable energy entrepreneur, publicly declared his intention to sign Haaland if he succeeds in unseating current Real Madrid president Florentino Perez. During a television appearance, Riquelme even displayed a Real Madrid shirt with Haaland’s name printed on it, confidently stating that the Norwegian forward has a release clause and a desire to join the Spanish giants.
These claims were swiftly dismissed by both Manchester City and representatives of Haaland. The Premier League club released a firm statement denying the existence of any such clause and rejecting the notion that the player is planning a move. They also expressed concern over the unauthorized use of Haaland’s image and suggested they are considering legal measures to address the situation.
Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge Haaland, along with his agent Rafaela Pimenta, also responded to the speculation. In a joint statement, they described the claims as entertaining but entirely inaccurate, while wishing both candidates in the Real Madrid election the best in their campaigns.
Riquelme did not stop with Haaland. He also claimed that Manchester City midfielder Rodri is another player he would target, stating that the Spanish international would strengthen a key area for Real Madrid. According to Riquelme, discussions have already taken place with Rodri’s representatives, although he acknowledged the need to respect the player’s current club.
The remarks have added a layer of controversy to what is already shaping up to be a highly unusual Real Madrid presidential election. For the first time in two decades, Florentino Perez is facing opposition, with Riquelme stepping forward as a challenger after a period in which the club has failed to secure major trophies.
Riquelme’s campaign has been built on ambitious promises aimed at appealing to the club’s membership base. Among his proposals is the development of a “members’ city” near Real Madrid’s training complex, featuring a variety of recreational facilities such as swimming pools, padel courts, and a basketball arena. He has also suggested reducing membership fees by up to 50% if the team fails to win the UEFA Champions League next season.
In addition to his infrastructure plans, Riquelme has voiced opposition to certain decisions associated with Perez’s leadership. One key point of contention is the potential appointment of Jose Mourinho as manager, a move Riquelme does not support. Instead, his campaign has hinted at pursuing a high-profile alternative, with former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reportedly among the desired candidates.
Although Riquelme has not confirmed a specific managerial choice, he indicated that his preferred coach would align with the expectations and desires of Real Madrid supporters. His comments have fueled speculation about a possible major change in direction should he win the election.
Meanwhile, Perez has responded by emphasizing stability and experience. The long-serving president has pledged to rebuild and strengthen the squad following a challenging season marked by injuries and inconsistent performances. He pointed out that the team struggled partly due to a lack of a proper pre-season, compounded by participation in the Club World Cup and a high number of injuries during the early part of the campaign.
Perez has also hinted at upcoming signings, stating that deals for players such as Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries have already been agreed upon, pending confirmation of his re-election. His focus remains on reinforcing the squad while maintaining the club’s established structure.
The election process itself reflects Real Madrid’s unique ownership model. Unlike many other top football clubs, Real Madrid is owned by its members, who have the right to vote in presidential elections. Approximately 100,000 members are eligible to participate, each contributing an annual fee that forms a significant portion of the club’s revenue.
This democratic structure allows members to influence the club’s direction, making the election a critical event for its future. The upcoming vote is scheduled for early June, and while Perez is widely considered the favorite, the presence of a challenger has injected new energy into the process.
The campaign has not been without its theatrics. Both sides have engaged in public displays aimed at winning over supporters. In one instance, Perez’s campaign reportedly purchased advertising space during a television appearance by Riquelme to announce Mourinho as the club’s next manager and promote their candidate.
Support from former players has also been divided. Several club legends, including Karim Benzema, Casemiro, and Roberto Carlos, have expressed their backing for Perez. On the other hand, notable figures such as Iker Casillas and Fernando Hierro have aligned themselves with Riquelme, highlighting the split in opinion among those closely associated with the club.
Perez’s history as president includes the famous “Galacticos” era, during which he brought in global superstars such as Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, David Beckham, and Michael Owen. His initial election victory in 2000 was heavily influenced by his promise to sign Luis Figo from Barcelona, a move that shocked the football world.
After resigning in 2006 during a period of declining results, Perez returned to power in 2009 and has remained in charge ever since. His leadership has overseen multiple Champions League triumphs, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential figures in the club’s history.
As the election approaches, the controversy surrounding Haaland’s supposed transfer highlights the intensity of the campaign. While Riquelme’s bold claims have drawn attention, they have also sparked backlash and raised questions about the limits of campaign rhetoric in football politics.
For Manchester City, the situation is clear: their star striker is not for sale, and any suggestion otherwise is being taken seriously. Whether legal action will follow remains to be seen, but the episode underscores the high stakes involved when football, business, and politics intersect.
Ultimately, the outcome of the Real Madrid election will shape the club’s direction for years to come. Whether members choose continuity under Perez or a new vision under Riquelme, the decisions made in the coming weeks will have a lasting impact on one of the world’s most iconic football institutions.
